\(3.42=\frac{171}{50}\), а \(2\frac58=\frac{21}{8}\). Тогда
\[\frac{171}{50}-\frac{21}{8}=\frac{684-525}{200}=\frac{159}{200}.\]
\[\frac{159}{200}:\frac1{50}=\frac{159}{200}\cdot50=\frac{159}{4}=39\frac34.\]
Ответ: \(39\frac34\).