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Subtract 5/8 from 2/7

2/7 - 5/8 is -19/56.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 7 and 8 is 56

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 7 × 8 = 56,
    2/7 = 2 × 8/7 × 8 = 16/56
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 7 = 56,
    5/8 = 5 × 7/8 × 7 = 35/56
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    16/56 - 35/56 = 16 - 35/56 = -19/56

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