Subtract 20/40 from 16/84
16/84 - 20/40 is -13/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 10 = 840,
16/84 = 16 × 10/84 × 10 = 160/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
20/40 = 20 × 21/40 × 21 = 420/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/840 - 420/840 = 160 - 420/840 = -260/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/42
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