Subtract 84/16 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 5 4/16
72/42 - 84/16 is -99/28.
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,
72/42 = 72 × 8/42 × 8 = 576/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
84/16 = 84 × 21/16 × 21 = 1764/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
576/336 - 1764/336 = 576 - 1764/336 = -1188/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -99/28
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