Subtract 48/42 from 21/24
1st number: 21/24, 2nd number: 1 6/42
21/24 - 48/42 is -15/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 42 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
21/24 = 21 × 7/24 × 7 = 147/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
48/42 = 48 × 4/42 × 4 = 192/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
147/168 - 192/168 = 147 - 192/168 = -45/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/24-48/42 21/24-96/42 21/48-48/42 21/24-48/84 63/24-48/42 21/72-48/42