Subtract 21/36 from 5/48
5/48 - 21/36 is -23/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
5/48 = 5 × 3/48 × 3 = 15/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
21/36 = 21 × 4/36 × 4 = 84/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/144 - 84/144 = 15 - 84/144 = -69/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/48
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