Subtract 36/9 from 48/42
1st number: 1 6/42, 2nd number: 4 0/9
48/42 - 36/9 is -20/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
48/42 = 48 × 3/42 × 3 = 144/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
36/9 = 36 × 14/9 × 14 = 504/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/126 - 504/126 = 144 - 504/126 = -360/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -20/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 96/42-36/9 48/42-72/9 48/84-36/9 48/42-36/18 48/42-36/27 48/42-36/45 48/42-36/63