Subtract 40/84 from 5/2
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 40/84
5/2 - 40/84 is 85/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 42 = 84,
5/2 = 5 × 42/2 × 42 = 210/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
40/84 = 40 × 1/84 × 1 = 40/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/84 - 40/84 = 210 - 40/84 = 170/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 85/42
- In mixed form: 21/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/2-40/84 5/2-80/84 5/4-40/84 15/2-40/84 5/6-40/84 25/2-40/84 5/10-40/84 35/2-40/84 5/14-40/84