Subtract 42/16 from 21/9
1st number: 2 3/9, 2nd number: 2 10/16
21/9 - 42/16 is -7/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
21/9 = 21 × 16/9 × 16 = 336/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/144 - 378/144 = 336 - 378/144 = -42/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/24
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