Subtract 21/16 from 36/42
1st number: 36/42, 2nd number: 1 5/16
36/42 - 21/16 is -51/112.
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,
21/16 = 21 × 21/16 × 21 = 441/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/336 - 441/336 = 288 - 441/336 = -153/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -51/112
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