Subtract 2/8 from 1/5
1/5 - 2/8 is -1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 8 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
1/5 = 1 × 8/5 × 8 = 8/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
2/8 = 2 × 5/8 × 5 = 10/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/40 - 10/40 = 8 - 10/40 = -2/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5-2/8 1/5-4/8 1/10-2/8 1/5-2/16 3/5-2/8 1/5-6/8 1/15-2/8 1/5-2/24 1/5-10/8 1/25-2/8 1/5-2/40 7/5-2/8 1/5-14/8 1/35-2/8 1/5-2/56