Subtract 25/40 from 16/42
16/42 - 25/40 is -41/168.
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,
25/40 = 25 × 21/40 × 21 = 525/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
320/840 - 525/840 = 320 - 525/840 = -205/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -41/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-25/40 16/42-50/40 16/84-25/40 16/42-25/80 48/42-25/40 16/42-75/40 80/42-25/40