Subtract 48/36 from 21/84
1st number: 21/84, 2nd number: 1 12/36
21/84 - 48/36 is -13/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
21/84 = 21 × 3/84 × 3 = 63/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
48/36 = 48 × 7/36 × 7 = 336/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/252 - 336/252 = 63 - 336/252 = -273/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/84-48/36 21/84-96/36 21/84-48/72 63/84-48/36