Subtract 2/9 from 3/16
3/16 - 2/9 is -5/144.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
3/16 = 3 × 9/16 × 9 = 27/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
2/9 = 2 × 16/9 × 16 = 32/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/144 - 32/144 = 27 - 32/144 = -5/144
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/16-2/9 3/16-4/9 3/32-2/9 3/16-2/18 9/16-2/9 3/16-6/9 3/48-2/9 3/16-2/27 15/16-2/9 3/16-10/9 3/80-2/9 3/16-2/45 21/16-2/9 3/16-14/9 3/16-2/63