Subtract 81/16 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 5 1/16
42/12 - 81/16 is -25/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 4 = 48,
42/12 = 42 × 4/12 × 4 = 168/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
81/16 = 81 × 3/16 × 3 = 243/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/48 - 243/48 = 168 - 243/48 = -75/48 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-81/16 42/24-81/16 42/12-81/32 42/36-81/16 42/12-81/48 42/60-81/16 42/12-81/80 42/84-81/16