Subtract 16/42 from 5/56
5/56 - 16/42 is -7/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
5/56 = 5 × 3/56 × 3 = 15/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
16/42 = 16 × 4/42 × 4 = 64/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/168 - 64/168 = 15 - 64/168 = -49/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/24
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