Subtract 36/48 from 21/30
21/30 - 36/48 is -1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 48 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 8 = 240,
21/30 = 21 × 8/30 × 8 = 168/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
36/48 = 36 × 5/48 × 5 = 180/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/240 - 180/240 = 168 - 180/240 = -12/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/30-36/48 21/30-72/48 21/60-36/48 21/30-36/96 63/30-36/48 21/90-36/48