Subtract 5/20 from 42/48
42/48 - 5/20 is 5/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 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 20 × 12 = 240,
5/20 = 5 × 12/20 × 12 = 60/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/240 - 60/240 = 210 - 60/240 = 150/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/48-5/20 42/48-10/20 42/96-5/20 42/48-5/40 42/48-15/20 42/48-5/60 42/48-25/20 42/48-35/20