Subtract 40/16 from 6/42
1st number: 6/42, 2nd number: 2 8/16
6/42 - 40/16 is -33/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
6/42 = 6 × 8/42 × 8 = 48/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
40/16 = 40 × 21/16 × 21 = 840/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/336 - 840/336 = 48 - 840/336 = -792/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -33/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 12/42-40/16 6/42-80/16 6/84-40/16 6/42-40/32 18/42-40/16 6/42-40/48 30/42-40/16 6/42-40/80