Subtract 21/36 from 16/42
16/42 - 21/36 is -17/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
16/42 = 16 × 6/42 × 6 = 96/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
96/252 - 147/252 = 96 - 147/252 = -51/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/84
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