Subtract 42/18 from 2/16, Solve 2/16

Subtract 42/18 from 2/16

1^st number: 2/16, 2^nd number: 2 6/18

2/16 - 42/18 is -53/24.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 18 is 144

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144
For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
42/18 = 42 × 8/18 × 8 = 336/144
Subtract the two like fractions:
18/144 - 336/144 = 18 - 336/144 = -318/144
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -53/24

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad