Subtract 42/16 from 21/56
1st number: 21/56, 2nd number: 2 10/16
21/56 - 42/16 is -9/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 16 is 112
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 112 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 2 = 112,
21/56 = 21 × 2/56 × 2 = 42/112 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 7 = 112,
42/16 = 42 × 7/16 × 7 = 294/112 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/112 - 294/112 = 42 - 294/112 = -252/112 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/56-42/16 21/56-84/16 21/56-42/32 63/56-42/16 21/56-42/48 21/56-42/80