Subtract 9/42 from 16/40
16/40 - 9/42 is 13/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
16/40 = 16 × 21/40 × 21 = 336/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
9/42 = 9 × 20/42 × 20 = 180/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/840 - 180/840 = 336 - 180/840 = 156/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 13/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/40-9/42 16/40-18/42 16/80-9/42 16/40-9/84 48/40-9/42 16/40-27/42 80/40-9/42 16/40-45/42 16/40-63/42