Subtract 42/18 from 20/48
1st number: 20/48, 2nd number: 2 6/18
20/48 - 42/18 is -23/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 18 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
20/48 = 20 × 3/48 × 3 = 60/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
42/18 = 42 × 8/18 × 8 = 336/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/144 - 336/144 = 60 - 336/144 = -276/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/48-42/18 20/48-84/18 20/96-42/18 20/48-42/36 60/48-42/18 20/48-42/54 20/48-42/90