1. The problem is to find the result of the subtraction $16 - 61$. 2. Subtracting a larger number from a smaller number results in a negative number. 3. Calculate the difference: $$61 - 16 = 45$$. 4. Since $61$ is larger than $16$, the result is negative: $$16 - 61 = -45$$. 5. Therefore, the final answer is $-45$.