Subtract 48/18 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 2 12/18
12/42 - 48/18 is -50/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
12/42 = 12 × 3/42 × 3 = 36/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
48/18 = 48 × 7/18 × 7 = 336/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/126 - 336/126 = 36 - 336/126 = -300/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -50/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-48/18 12/42-96/18 12/84-48/18 12/42-48/36 36/42-48/18 12/42-48/54 60/42-48/18 12/42-48/90 84/42-48/18