Subtract 18/16 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 1 2/16
3/42 - 18/16 is -59/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
3/42 = 3 × 8/42 × 8 = 24/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
18/16 = 18 × 21/16 × 21 = 378/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/336 - 378/336 = 24 - 378/336 = -354/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-18/16 3/42-36/16 3/84-18/16 3/42-18/32 9/42-18/16 3/42-54/16 3/42-18/48 15/42-18/16 3/42-90/16 3/42-18/80 21/42-18/16