Subtract 20/42 from 3/16
3/16 - 20/42 is -97/336.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
3/16 = 3 × 21/16 × 21 = 63/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
20/42 = 20 × 8/42 × 8 = 160/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/336 - 160/336 = 63 - 160/336 = -97/336
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/16-20/42 3/16-40/42 3/32-20/42 3/16-20/84 9/16-20/42 3/16-60/42 3/48-20/42 15/16-20/42 3/80-20/42 21/16-20/42