Subtract 40/8 from 16/42
1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 5 0/8
16/42 - 40/8 is -97/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
16/42 = 16 × 4/42 × 4 = 64/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
40/8 = 40 × 21/8 × 21 = 840/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
64/168 - 840/168 = 64 - 840/168 = -776/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/21
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