What is 2/48 minus 2/21? (Answer: -3/56)

Exact Answer

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Problem: What is 2/48 minus 2/21?
Formula / Expression: 2/48 − 2/21
Final Answer: -3/56
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Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 48 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 336 (which is smaller than their product 48 × 21 = 1008, keeping the calculation simpler).
Working: LCD(48, 21) = 336

Step 2: Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 336
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/48 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/21 by 16 so both fractions share the common base 336.
Working: 2 × 7/48 × 7 = 14/336 and 2 × 16/21 × 16 = 32/336

Step 3: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (14 − 32 = -18) and keep the common denominator 336 unchanged.
Working: 14 − 32/336 = -18/336

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 18 and 336, which is 6. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 6.
Working: -18 ÷ 6/336 ÷ 6 = -3/56

Step 5: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -3 by denominator 56 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.053571, or -5.3571%).
Working: -3 ÷ 56 = -0.053571 (-5.3571%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -3/56
- Mixed Number Form: -3/56
- Decimal Value: -0.053571
- Percentage: -5.3571%

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Solved with FractionsCalc:
https://fractionscalc.com/what-is-2-48-minus-2-21/
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2/48 − 2/21 = -3/56

Simplified Fraction

-3/56

Mixed Number

Proper (-3/56)

Decimal Value

-0.053571

Percentage

-5.3571%

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Step-by-Step Solution: 2/48 − 2/21

Step 1

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

The denominators 48 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 336 (which is smaller than their product 48 × 21 = 1008, keeping the calculation simpler).

LCD(48, 21) = 336

Step 2

Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 336

Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/48 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/21 by 16 so both fractions share the common base 336.

2 × 7/48 × 7 = 14/336 and 2 × 16/21 × 16 = 32/336

Step 3

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (14 − 32 = -18) and keep the common denominator 336 unchanged.

14 − 32/336 = -18/336

Step 4

Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 18 and 336, which is 6. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 6.

-18 ÷ 6/336 ÷ 6 = -3/56

Step 5

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -3 by denominator 56 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.053571, or -5.3571%).

-3 ÷ 56 = -0.053571 (-5.3571%)

Visual Representation

The diagram below illustrates 2/48 minus 2/21 visually:

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-3/56`
Mixed Number Form	`-3/56`
Decimal Form	`-0.053571`
Percentage	`-5.3571%`

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2/48 minus 2/21 as a fraction?

2/48 − 2/21 in simplest fraction form is -3/56.

What is 2/48 minus 2/21 as a decimal?

2/48 − 2/21 converted to a decimal is -0.053571.

What is 2/48 minus 2/21 as a percentage?

2/48 − 2/21 expressed as a percentage is -5.3571%.

Does 2/48 minus 2/21 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?

It results in a repeating decimal (approximately -0.053571...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.