Subtract 42/4 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 10 2/4
42/2 - 42/4 is 21/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 4 is 4
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 4 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 2 = 4,
42/2 = 42 × 2/2 × 2 = 84/4 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 1 = 4,
42/4 = 42 × 1/4 × 1 = 42/4 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/4 - 42/4 = 84 - 42/4 = 42/4 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 21/2
- In mixed form: 101/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2-42/4 42/2-84/4 42/4-42/4 42/2-42/8 42/6-42/4 42/2-42/12 42/10-42/4 42/2-42/20 42/14-42/4 42/2-42/28