Subtract 36/48 from 42/84
42/84 - 36/48 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 4 = 336,
42/84 = 42 × 4/84 × 4 = 168/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
36/48 = 36 × 7/48 × 7 = 252/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/336 - 252/336 = 168 - 252/336 = -84/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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