Subtract 21/49 from 16/42
16/42 - 21/49 is -1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 49 is 294
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
16/42 = 16 × 7/42 × 7 = 112/294 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
21/49 = 21 × 6/49 × 6 = 126/294 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/294 - 126/294 = 112 - 126/294 = -14/294 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-21/49 16/42-42/49 16/84-21/49 16/42-21/98 48/42-21/49 16/42-63/49 80/42-21/49