Subtract 21/42 from 12/16
12/16 - 21/42 is 1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
12/16 = 12 × 21/16 × 21 = 252/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
21/42 = 21 × 8/42 × 8 = 168/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/336 - 168/336 = 252 - 168/336 = 84/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/4
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