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Subtract 42/16 from 21/4

1st number: 5 1/4, 2nd number: 2 10/16

21/4 - 42/16 is 21/8.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 4 and 16 is 16

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 16
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 4 = 16,
    21/4 = 21 × 4/4 × 4 = 84/16
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 1 = 16,
    42/16 = 42 × 1/16 × 1 = 42/16
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    84/16 - 42/16 = 84 - 42/16 = 42/16
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 21/8
  6. In mixed form: 25/8

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