Subtract 2/21 from 42/48
42/48 - 2/21 is 131/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 21 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
42/48 = 42 × 7/48 × 7 = 294/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
2/21 = 2 × 16/21 × 16 = 32/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
294/336 - 32/336 = 294 - 32/336 = 262/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 131/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/48-2/21 42/48-4/21 42/96-2/21 42/48-2/42 42/48-6/21 42/48-2/63 42/48-10/21 42/48-14/21