Subtract 40/48 from 4/21
4/21 - 40/48 is -9/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
4/21 = 4 × 16/21 × 16 = 64/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
64/336 - 280/336 = 64 - 280/336 = -216/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/21-40/48 4/21-80/48 4/42-40/48 4/21-40/96 12/21-40/48 4/63-40/48 20/21-40/48 28/21-40/48