Subtract 16/36 from 42/84
42/84 - 16/36 is 1/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
42/84 = 42 × 3/84 × 3 = 126/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
16/36 = 16 × 7/36 × 7 = 112/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/252 - 112/252 = 126 - 112/252 = 14/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/18
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