Subtract 16/40 from 42/48
42/48 - 16/40 is 19/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 40 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
42/48 = 42 × 5/48 × 5 = 210/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 6 = 240,
16/40 = 16 × 6/40 × 6 = 96/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/240 - 96/240 = 210 - 96/240 = 114/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 19/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/48-16/40 42/48-32/40 42/96-16/40 42/48-16/80 42/48-48/40 42/48-80/40