Subtract 16/48 from 7/42
7/42 - 16/48 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
7/42 = 7 × 8/42 × 8 = 56/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
16/48 = 16 × 7/48 × 7 = 112/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/336 - 112/336 = 56 - 112/336 = -56/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42-16/48 7/42-32/48 7/84-16/48 7/42-16/96 21/42-16/48 35/42-16/48 7/42-80/48 49/42-16/48