Subtract 15/20 from 16/42
16/42 - 15/20 is -31/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 20 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
16/42 = 16 × 10/42 × 10 = 160/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
15/20 = 15 × 21/20 × 21 = 315/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/420 - 315/420 = 160 - 315/420 = -155/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/84
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