Subtract 2/5 from 16/42
16/42 - 2/5 is -2/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
16/42 = 16 × 5/42 × 5 = 80/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/210 - 84/210 = 80 - 84/210 = -4/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/105
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