Subtract 4/9 from 16/42
16/42 - 4/9 is -4/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
16/42 = 16 × 3/42 × 3 = 48/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
4/9 = 4 × 14/9 × 14 = 56/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/126 - 56/126 = 48 - 56/126 = -8/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-4/9 16/42-8/9 16/84-4/9 16/42-4/18 48/42-4/9 16/42-12/9 16/42-4/27 80/42-4/9 16/42-20/9 16/42-4/45 16/42-28/9 16/42-4/63