Subtract 24/40 from 16/42
16/42 - 24/40 is -23/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
16/42 = 16 × 20/42 × 20 = 320/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
24/40 = 24 × 21/40 × 21 = 504/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
320/840 - 504/840 = 320 - 504/840 = -184/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-24/40 16/42-48/40 16/84-24/40 16/42-24/80 48/42-24/40 16/42-72/40 80/42-24/40