Subtract 25/9 from 42/48
1st number: 42/48, 2nd number: 2 7/9
42/48 - 25/9 is -137/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
25/9 = 25 × 16/9 × 16 = 400/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/144 - 400/144 = 126 - 400/144 = -274/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -137/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/48-25/9 42/48-50/9 42/96-25/9 42/48-25/18 42/48-75/9 42/48-25/27 42/48-25/45 42/48-25/63