Subtract 42/48 from 2/36
2/36 - 42/48 is -59/72.
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,
2/36 = 2 × 4/36 × 4 = 8/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/144 - 126/144 = 8 - 126/144 = -118/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/36-42/48 2/36-84/48 2/72-42/48 2/36-42/96 6/36-42/48 10/36-42/48 14/36-42/48