Subtract 8/16 from 4/42
4/42 - 8/16 is -17/42.
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,
4/42 = 4 × 8/42 × 8 = 32/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
8/16 = 8 × 21/16 × 21 = 168/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/336 - 168/336 = 32 - 168/336 = -136/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-8/16 4/84-8/16 4/42-8/32 12/42-8/16 4/42-24/16 4/42-8/48 20/42-8/16 4/42-40/16 4/42-8/80 28/42-8/16 4/42-56/16