SOLUTION: 5/4 - 8/9 = ?

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Question 864624: 5/4 - 8/9 = ?
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The LCD is 4*9 = 36. We need to get every denominator equal to the LCD.


5%2F4+-+8%2F9


%289%2F9%29%2A%285%2F4%29+-+8%2F9 Multiply top and bottom of the first fraction by 9


45%2F36+-+8%2F9


45%2F36+-+%284%2F4%29%2A%288%2F9%29 Multiply top and bottom of the second fraction by 4


45%2F36+-+32%2F36


The denominators are finally both equal to the same number (the LCD 36). We can now subtract the fractions.


%2845+-+32%29%2F36


13%2F36


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So, 5%2F4+-+8%2F9=13%2F36