Subtract 16/21 from 16/36
16/36 - 16/21 is -20/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 21 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
16/36 = 16 × 7/36 × 7 = 112/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
16/21 = 16 × 12/21 × 12 = 192/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/252 - 192/252 = 112 - 192/252 = -80/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -20/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/36-16/21 16/36-32/21 16/72-16/21 16/36-16/42 48/36-16/21 16/36-48/21 16/36-16/63 80/36-16/21 16/36-80/21