Subtract 16/40 from 6/42
6/42 - 16/40 is -9/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
6/42 = 6 × 20/42 × 20 = 120/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
16/40 = 16 × 21/40 × 21 = 336/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/840 - 336/840 = 120 - 336/840 = -216/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 12/42-16/40 6/42-32/40 6/84-16/40 6/42-16/80 18/42-16/40 6/42-48/40 30/42-16/40 6/42-80/40