Subtract 42/21 from 16/42
1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 2 0/21
16/42 - 42/21 is -34/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
16/42 = 16 × 1/42 × 1 = 16/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
42/21 = 42 × 2/21 × 2 = 84/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/42 - 84/42 = 16 - 84/42 = -68/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -34/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/42-42/21 16/42-84/21 16/84-42/21 48/42-42/21 16/42-42/63 80/42-42/21