Subtract 42/16 from 45/21
1st number: 2 3/21, 2nd number: 2 10/16
45/21 - 42/16 is -27/56.
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,
45/21 = 45 × 16/21 × 16 = 720/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
42/16 = 42 × 21/16 × 21 = 882/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/336 - 882/336 = 720 - 882/336 = -162/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -27/56
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