Solve the following exercise:
42−62=?
To solve the problem 42−62, let's follow these steps:
- Step 1: Find the least common denominator (LCD) for the fractions. The denominators are 4 and 6, and the LCM of 4 and 6 is 12.
- Step 2: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 12.
First, convert 42:
42=4×32×3=126
Next, convert 62:
62=6×22×2=124
- Step 3: Subtract the fractions with the common denominator.
126−124=126−4=122
- Step 4: Simplify the result, if possible.
122 simplifies to 61 by dividing both the numerator and the denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is 2.
Therefore, the solution to the problem is 61.