Subtract 42/36 from 48/21
1st number: 2 6/21, 2nd number: 1 6/36
48/21 - 42/36 is 47/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 12 = 252,
48/21 = 48 × 12/21 × 12 = 576/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
42/36 = 42 × 7/36 × 7 = 294/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
576/252 - 294/252 = 576 - 294/252 = 282/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 47/42
- In mixed form: 15/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 96/21-42/36 48/21-84/36 48/42-42/36 48/21-42/72 48/63-42/36