Subtract 42/48 from 5/45
5/45 - 42/48 is -55/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 48 is 720
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 720 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 16 = 720,
5/45 = 5 × 16/45 × 16 = 80/720 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 15 = 720,
42/48 = 42 × 15/48 × 15 = 630/720 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/720 - 630/720 = 80 - 630/720 = -550/720 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -55/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/45-42/48 5/45-84/48 5/90-42/48 5/45-42/96 15/45-42/48 25/45-42/48 35/45-42/48