Subtract 5/48 from 4/42
4/42 - 5/48 is -1/112.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
4/42 = 4 × 8/42 × 8 = 32/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
5/48 = 5 × 7/48 × 7 = 35/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/336 - 35/336 = 32 - 35/336 = -3/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/112
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-5/48 4/42-10/48 4/84-5/48 4/42-5/96 12/42-5/48 4/42-15/48 20/42-5/48 4/42-25/48 28/42-5/48 4/42-35/48