Subtract 40/20 from 84/48
1st number: 1 36/48, 2nd number: 2 0/20
84/48 - 40/20 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 20 is 240
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
84/48 = 84 × 5/48 × 5 = 420/240 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 12 = 240,
40/20 = 40 × 12/20 × 12 = 480/240 - Subtract the two like fractions:
420/240 - 480/240 = 420 - 480/240 = -60/240 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/48-80/20 84/96-40/20 84/48-40/60