Subtract 4/42 from 16/21
16/21 - 4/42 is 2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
16/21 = 16 × 2/21 × 2 = 32/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
4/42 = 4 × 1/42 × 1 = 4/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/42 - 4/42 = 32 - 4/42 = 28/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/21-4/42 16/21-8/42 16/42-4/42 16/21-4/84 48/21-4/42 16/21-12/42 16/63-4/42 80/21-4/42 16/21-20/42 16/21-28/42