Subtract 2/16 from 20/42
20/42 - 2/16 is 59/168.
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,
20/42 = 20 × 8/42 × 8 = 160/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
2/16 = 2 × 21/16 × 21 = 42/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/336 - 42/336 = 160 - 42/336 = 118/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 59/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/42-2/16 20/42-4/16 20/84-2/16 20/42-2/32 60/42-2/16 20/42-6/16 20/42-2/48 20/42-10/16 20/42-2/80 20/42-14/16