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Subtract 16/18 from 21/84

21/84 - 16/18 is -23/36.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 84 and 18 is 252

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
    21/84 = 21 × 3/84 × 3 = 63/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
    16/18 = 16 × 14/18 × 14 = 224/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    63/252 - 224/252 = 63 - 224/252 = -161/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/36

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