Subtract 15/40 from 21/48
21/48 - 15/40 is 1/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 40 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
21/48 = 21 × 5/48 × 5 = 105/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 6 = 240,
15/40 = 15 × 6/40 × 6 = 90/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/240 - 90/240 = 105 - 90/240 = 15/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/48-15/40 21/48-30/40 21/96-15/40 21/48-15/80 63/48-15/40 21/48-45/40 21/48-75/40