Subtract 36/16 from 54/42
1st number: 1 12/42, 2nd number: 2 4/16
54/42 - 36/16 is -27/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
54/42 = 54 × 8/42 × 8 = 432/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
36/16 = 36 × 21/16 × 21 = 756/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
432/336 - 756/336 = 432 - 756/336 = -324/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -27/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/42-72/16 54/84-36/16 54/42-36/32 54/42-36/48 54/42-36/80