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

Algebra ->  Numeric Fractions Calculators, Lesson and Practice -> 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      Log On


   

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) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
3%2F8-1%2F5 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


%285%2F5%29%283%2F8%29-1%2F5 Multiply 3%2F8 by %285%2F5%29


15%2F40-1%2F5 Multiply 3%2F8 and %285%2F5%29 to get 15%2F40


15%2F40-%288%2F8%29%281%2F5%29 Multiply 1%2F5 by %288%2F8%29


15%2F40-8%2F40 Multiply 1%2F5 and %288%2F8%29 to get 8%2F40


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


%2815-8%29%2F40 Combine the fractions


7%2F40 Subtract the numerators


So

3%2F8-1%2F5=7%2F40


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