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Subtract 21/48 from 42/36

1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 21/48

42/36 - 21/48 is 35/48.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 36 and 48 is 144

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
    42/36 = 42 × 4/36 × 4 = 168/144
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
    21/48 = 21 × 3/48 × 3 = 63/144
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    168/144 - 63/144 = 168 - 63/144 = 105/144
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 35/48

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