Subtract 42/12 from 16/42
1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 3 6/12
16/42 - 42/12 is -131/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
16/42 = 16 × 2/42 × 2 = 32/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
42/12 = 42 × 7/12 × 7 = 294/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/84 - 294/84 = 32 - 294/84 = -262/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -131/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-42/12 16/42-84/12 16/84-42/12 16/42-42/24 48/42-42/12 16/42-42/36 80/42-42/12 16/42-42/60 16/42-42/84