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Subtract 5/8 from 1/3

1/3 - 5/8 is -7/24.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 3 and 8 is 24

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 8 = 24,
    1/3 = 1 × 8/3 × 8 = 8/24
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 3 = 24,
    5/8 = 5 × 3/8 × 3 = 15/24
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    8/24 - 15/24 = 8 - 15/24 = -7/24

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