42/4 subtracted by 12/2 in Fraction Form

The result of 42/4 subtracted by 12/2 is: 4 1/2

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Problem

We need to subtract the fraction $\frac{1}{2} 2$ from $\frac{4}{2} 4$ .

Step 2: Find the Least Common Multiple (LCM)

To subtract fractions, we need a common denominator. The LCM of 4 and 2 is 4.

Step 3: Convert Fractions to Equivalent Fractions

Convert $\frac{4}{2} 4$ to $\frac{42}{4}$
Convert $\frac{1}{2} 2$ to $\frac{24}{4}$

Step 4: Subtract the Numerators

Subtract the numerators: 42 - 24 = 18

Step 5: Simplify the Fraction

We can simplify $\frac{1}{8} 4$ to its lowest form.
The greatest common divisor (GCD) of 18 and 4 is 2.
Dividing both numerator and denominator by the GCD, we get $\frac{9}{2}$ .

Step 6: Convert to Mixed Number

The fraction $\frac{9}{2}$ can be written as the mixed number $4 \frac{1}{2}$ .

Final Answer

The result of 42/4 subtracted by 12/2 is:

\frac{42}{4} - \frac{12}{2} = 4 \frac{1}{2}

Understanding Fraction Subtraction

How to Subtract Fractions

To subtract fractions, you need to ensure they have a common denominator. Then subtract the numerators:

$\frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{d} = \frac{a d - b c}{b d}$ (when denominators are different)

Or simply $\frac{a}{b} - \frac{c}{b} = \frac{a - c}{b}$ (when denominators are the same)

Why Simplify Fractions?

Simplifying fractions makes them easier to work with and understand. A fraction is in its simplest form when the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.

To simplify a fraction, divide both the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD).

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