Subtract 42/48 from 3/5
3/5 - 42/48 is -11/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 48 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 48 = 240,
3/5 = 3 × 48/5 × 48 = 144/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
42/48 = 42 × 5/48 × 5 = 210/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/240 - 210/240 = 144 - 210/240 = -66/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/5-42/48 3/5-84/48 3/10-42/48 3/5-42/96 9/5-42/48 3/15-42/48 15/5-42/48 3/25-42/48 21/5-42/48 3/35-42/48