Subtract 81/16 from 42/84
1st number: 42/84, 2nd number: 5 1/16
42/84 - 81/16 is -73/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 4 = 336,
42/84 = 42 × 4/84 × 4 = 168/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
81/16 = 81 × 21/16 × 21 = 1701/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/336 - 1701/336 = 168 - 1701/336 = -1533/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -73/16
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