Subtract 20/48 from 12/36
12/36 - 20/48 is -1/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
12/36 = 12 × 4/36 × 4 = 48/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
20/48 = 20 × 3/48 × 3 = 60/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/144 - 60/144 = 48 - 60/144 = -12/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/36-20/48 12/36-40/48 12/72-20/48 12/36-20/96 12/36-60/48 60/36-20/48 84/36-20/48