Subtract 42/16 from 21/36
1st number: 21/36, 2nd number: 2 10/16
21/36 - 42/16 is -49/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
21/36 = 21 × 4/36 × 4 = 84/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/144 - 378/144 = 84 - 378/144 = -294/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -49/24
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