Subtract 20/48 from 16/42
16/42 - 20/48 is -1/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
16/42 = 16 × 8/42 × 8 = 128/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
20/48 = 20 × 7/48 × 7 = 140/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
128/336 - 140/336 = 128 - 140/336 = -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: 32/42-20/48 16/42-40/48 16/84-20/48 16/42-20/96 48/42-20/48 16/42-60/48 80/42-20/48