Subtract 48/36 from 5/21
1st number: 5/21, 2nd number: 1 12/36
5/21 - 48/36 is -23/21.
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,
5/21 = 5 × 12/21 × 12 = 60/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
48/36 = 48 × 7/36 × 7 = 336/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/252 - 336/252 = 60 - 336/252 = -276/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21-48/36 5/21-96/36 5/42-48/36 5/21-48/72 15/21-48/36 5/63-48/36 25/21-48/36 35/21-48/36