Subtract 12/18 from 21/48
21/48 - 12/18 is -11/48.
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,
21/48 = 21 × 3/48 × 3 = 63/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
12/18 = 12 × 8/18 × 8 = 96/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/144 - 96/144 = 63 - 96/144 = -33/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/48-12/18 21/48-24/18 21/96-12/18 21/48-12/36 63/48-12/18 21/48-36/18 21/48-12/54 21/48-60/18 21/48-12/90 21/48-84/18