Subtract 21/48 from 4/12
4/12 - 21/48 is -5/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 48 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 4 = 48,
4/12 = 4 × 4/12 × 4 = 16/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
21/48 = 21 × 1/48 × 1 = 21/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/48 - 21/48 = 16 - 21/48 = -5/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/12-21/48 4/12-42/48 4/24-21/48 4/12-21/96 4/12-63/48 4/36-21/48 20/12-21/48 4/60-21/48 28/12-21/48 4/84-21/48