Subtract 24/42 from 16/36
16/36 - 24/42 is -8/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 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 42 × 6 = 252,
24/42 = 24 × 6/42 × 6 = 144/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/252 - 144/252 = 112 - 144/252 = -32/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/36-24/42 16/36-48/42 16/72-24/42 16/36-24/84 48/36-24/42 16/36-72/42 80/36-24/42