Subtract 40/42 from 5/2
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 40/42
5/2 - 40/42 is 65/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
5/2 = 5 × 21/2 × 21 = 105/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
40/42 = 40 × 1/42 × 1 = 40/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/42 - 40/42 = 105 - 40/42 = 65/42 - In mixed form: 123/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/2-40/42 5/2-80/42 5/4-40/42 5/2-40/84 15/2-40/42 5/6-40/42 25/2-40/42 5/10-40/42 35/2-40/42 5/14-40/42