Subtract 4/16 from 9/42
9/42 - 4/16 is -1/28.
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,
9/42 = 9 × 8/42 × 8 = 72/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
4/16 = 4 × 21/16 × 21 = 84/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/336 - 84/336 = 72 - 84/336 = -12/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/42-4/16 9/42-8/16 9/84-4/16 9/42-4/32 27/42-4/16 9/42-12/16 9/42-4/48 45/42-4/16 9/42-20/16 9/42-4/80 63/42-4/16 9/42-28/16