SOLUTION: I need to know how to use the symbols properly. I am working on a problem for classthat I jsut started and very confused. I have the answer but don't know how to write the formul

Question 369964: I need to know how to use the symbols properly. I am working on a problem for classthat I jsut started and very confused. I have the answer but don't know how to write the formula. I am to perform the operation and if possible simplify it. 3/8 - 1/5
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Start with the given expression

In order to subtract these two fractions, these fractions need to have a common denominator.

In order to do that, we simply find that the LCM of 8 and 5 is 40 (note: if you need help with finding the LCM, check out this solver)

Now we need to get each denominator to 40

Multiply by

Multiply and to get

Multiply by

Multiply and to get

Since both fractions have a common denominator of 40, we can now combine the fractions

Combine the fractions

Subtract the numerators

So

For more help with fractions, check out this solver

If you need more help, email me at jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com

Also, feel free to check out my tutoring website

Jim
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