Subtract 18/16 from 36/42
1st number: 36/42, 2nd number: 1 2/16
36/42 - 18/16 is -15/56.
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,
36/42 = 36 × 8/42 × 8 = 288/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
18/16 = 18 × 21/16 × 21 = 378/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/336 - 378/336 = 288 - 378/336 = -90/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/56
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