Subtract 2/4 from 16/42
16/42 - 2/4 is -5/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 4 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
16/42 = 16 × 2/42 × 2 = 32/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
2/4 = 2 × 21/4 × 21 = 42/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/84 - 42/84 = 32 - 42/84 = -10/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/42
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