Subtract 12/48 from 21/42
21/42 - 12/48 is 1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
21/42 = 21 × 8/42 × 8 = 168/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
12/48 = 12 × 7/48 × 7 = 84/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/336 - 84/336 = 168 - 84/336 = 84/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 21/42-24/48 21/84-12/48 21/42-12/96 63/42-12/48 21/42-36/48 21/42-60/48 21/42-84/48