Subtract 36/16 from 7/42
1st number: 7/42, 2nd number: 2 4/16
7/42 - 36/16 is -25/12.
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,
7/42 = 7 × 8/42 × 8 = 56/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
36/16 = 36 × 21/16 × 21 = 756/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/336 - 756/336 = 56 - 756/336 = -700/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/12
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