Subtract 16/42 from 1/3
1/3 - 16/42 is -1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
1/3 = 1 × 14/3 × 14 = 14/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
16/42 = 16 × 1/42 × 1 = 16/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/42 - 16/42 = 14 - 16/42 = -2/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
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