Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 48/42 from 21/36

1st number: 21/36, 2nd number: 1 6/42

21/36 - 48/42 is -47/84.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 36 and 42 is 252

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
    21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
    48/42 = 48 × 6/42 × 6 = 288/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    147/252 - 288/252 = 147 - 288/252 = -141/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -47/84

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com