Subtract 42/36 from 2/48
1st number: 2/48, 2nd number: 1 6/36
2/48 - 42/36 is -9/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
2/48 = 2 × 3/48 × 3 = 6/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
42/36 = 42 × 4/36 × 4 = 168/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/144 - 168/144 = 6 - 168/144 = -162/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/48-42/36 2/48-84/36 2/96-42/36 2/48-42/72 6/48-42/36 10/48-42/36 14/48-42/36