Subtract 84/16 from 2/42
1st number: 2/42, 2nd number: 5 4/16
2/42 - 84/16 is -437/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
2/42 = 2 × 8/42 × 8 = 16/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
84/16 = 84 × 21/16 × 21 = 1764/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/336 - 1764/336 = 16 - 1764/336 = -1748/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -437/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-84/16 2/84-84/16 2/42-84/32 6/42-84/16 2/42-84/48 10/42-84/16 2/42-84/80 14/42-84/16