Subtract 36/48 from 5/21
5/21 - 36/48 is -43/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 16 = 336,
5/21 = 5 × 16/21 × 16 = 80/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
36/48 = 36 × 7/48 × 7 = 252/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/336 - 252/336 = 80 - 252/336 = -172/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21-36/48 5/21-72/48 5/42-36/48 5/21-36/96 15/21-36/48 5/63-36/48 25/21-36/48 35/21-36/48