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Subtract 21/16 from 16/42

1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 1 5/16

16/42 - 21/16 is -313/336.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 16 is 336

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
    16/42 = 16 × 8/42 × 8 = 128/336
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
    21/16 = 21 × 21/16 × 21 = 441/336
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    128/336 - 441/336 = 128 - 441/336 = -313/336

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