Subtract 2/16 from 84/42
1st number: 2 0/42, 2nd number: 2/16
84/42 - 2/16 is 15/8.
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,
84/42 = 84 × 8/42 × 8 = 672/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
2/16 = 2 × 21/16 × 21 = 42/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
672/336 - 42/336 = 672 - 42/336 = 630/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 15/8
- In mixed form: 17/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/42-4/16 84/42-2/32 84/42-6/16 84/42-2/48 84/42-10/16 84/42-2/80 84/42-14/16