Subtract 16/8 from 5/42
1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 2 0/8
5/42 - 16/8 is -79/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
5/42 = 5 × 4/42 × 4 = 20/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
16/8 = 16 × 21/8 × 21 = 336/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/168 - 336/168 = 20 - 336/168 = -316/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -79/42
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