Subtract 21/42 from 16/4
1st number: 4 0/4, 2nd number: 21/42
16/4 - 21/42 is 7/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
16/4 = 16 × 21/4 × 21 = 336/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
21/42 = 21 × 2/42 × 2 = 42/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/84 - 42/84 = 336 - 42/84 = 294/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 7/2
- In mixed form: 31/2
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