Subtract 42/48 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 42/48
42/12 - 42/48 is 21/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 48 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 4 = 48,
42/12 = 42 × 4/12 × 4 = 168/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 1 = 48,
42/48 = 42 × 1/48 × 1 = 42/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/48 - 42/48 = 168 - 42/48 = 126/48 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 21/8
- In mixed form: 25/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-42/48 42/12-84/48 42/24-42/48 42/12-42/96 42/36-42/48 42/60-42/48 42/84-42/48