Subtract 42/36 from 16/24
1st number: 16/24, 2nd number: 1 6/36
16/24 - 42/36 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 3 = 72,
16/24 = 16 × 3/24 × 3 = 48/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
42/36 = 42 × 2/36 × 2 = 84/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/72 - 84/72 = 48 - 84/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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