Subtract 49/16 from 42/21
1st number: 2 0/21, 2nd number: 3 1/16
42/21 - 49/16 is -17/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
42/21 = 42 × 16/21 × 16 = 672/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
49/16 = 49 × 21/16 × 21 = 1029/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
672/336 - 1029/336 = 672 - 1029/336 = -357/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/21-49/16 42/21-98/16 42/21-49/32 42/63-49/16 42/21-49/48 42/21-49/80