Subtract 2/5 from 42/84
42/84 - 2/5 is 1/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 5 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 5 = 420,
42/84 = 42 × 5/84 × 5 = 210/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 84 = 420,
2/5 = 2 × 84/5 × 84 = 168/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/420 - 168/420 = 210 - 168/420 = 42/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/10
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