Subtract 32/40 from 16/42
16/42 - 32/40 is -44/105.
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,
32/40 = 32 × 21/40 × 21 = 672/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
320/840 - 672/840 = 320 - 672/840 = -352/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -44/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-32/40 16/42-64/40 16/84-32/40 16/42-32/80 48/42-32/40 16/42-96/40 80/42-32/40