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Subtract 16/12 from 3/42

1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 1 4/12

3/42 - 16/12 is -53/42.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 12 is 84

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
    3/42 = 3 × 2/42 × 2 = 6/84
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
    16/12 = 16 × 7/12 × 7 = 112/84
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    6/84 - 112/84 = 6 - 112/84 = -106/84
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -53/42

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