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Subtract 3/8 from 1/5

1/5 - 3/8 is -7/40.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
    1/5 = 1 × 8/5 × 8 = 8/40
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
    3/8 = 3 × 5/8 × 5 = 15/40
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    8/40 - 15/40 = 8 - 15/40 = -7/40

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