Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 5/8 from 2/5

2/5 - 5/8 is -9/40.

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,
    2/5 = 2 × 8/5 × 8 = 16/40
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
    5/8 = 5 × 5/8 × 5 = 25/40
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    16/40 - 25/40 = 16 - 25/40 = -9/40

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com