Subtract 3/8 from 5/15
5/15 - 3/8 is -1/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 8 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
5/15 = 5 × 8/15 × 8 = 40/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 15 = 120,
3/8 = 3 × 15/8 × 15 = 45/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/120 - 45/120 = 40 - 45/120 = -5/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/24
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