Subtract 18/36 from 9/48
9/48 - 18/36 is -5/16.
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,
9/48 = 9 × 3/48 × 3 = 27/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
18/36 = 18 × 4/36 × 4 = 72/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/144 - 72/144 = 27 - 72/144 = -45/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/16
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/48-18/36 9/96-18/36 9/48-18/72 27/48-18/36 9/48-54/36 45/48-18/36 9/48-90/36 63/48-18/36