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Subtract 7/8 from 2/5

2/5 - 7/8 is -19/40.

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,
    7/8 = 7 × 5/8 × 5 = 35/40
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    16/40 - 35/40 = 16 - 35/40 = -19/40

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