Subtract 4/42 from 2/16
2/16 - 4/42 is 5/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
2/16 = 2 × 21/16 × 21 = 42/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
4/42 = 4 × 8/42 × 8 = 32/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/336 - 32/336 = 42 - 32/336 = 10/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/16-4/42 2/16-8/42 2/32-4/42 2/16-4/84 6/16-4/42 2/16-12/42 2/48-4/42 10/16-4/42 2/16-20/42 2/80-4/42 14/16-4/42 2/16-28/42