SOLUTION: Evaluate the expression when x = - 3/8 and y = 7/12 27. x - y Any help with this equation would be <b>GREATLY</b> appreciated.

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: Evaluate the expression when x = - 3/8 and y = 7/12 27. x - y Any help with this equation would be <b>GREATLY</b> appreciated.      Log On


   

Question 110745: Evaluate the expression when x = - 3/8 and y = 7/12
27. x - y
Any help with this equation would be GREATLY appreciated.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
x-y Start with the given expression

-3%2F8-7%2F12 Plug in x+=+-3%2F8 and y+=+7%2F12


Solved by pluggable solver: Fractions Solver


-3%2F8-7%2F12 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 12 is 24 (note: if you need help with finding the LCM, check out this solver)


Now we need to get each denominator to 24



%283%2F3%29%28-3%2F8%29-7%2F12 Multiply -3%2F8 by %283%2F3%29


-9%2F24-7%2F12 Multiply -3%2F8 and %283%2F3%29 to get -9%2F24



-9%2F24-%282%2F2%29%287%2F12%29 Multiply 7%2F12 by %282%2F2%29


-9%2F24-14%2F24 Multiply 7%2F12 and %282%2F2%29 to get 14%2F24



Since both fractions have a common denominator of 24, we can now combine the fractions


%28-9-14%29%2F24 Combine the fractions


-23%2F24 Subtract the numerators



So

-3%2F8-7%2F12=-23%2F24





So x-y=-23%2F24 when x+=+-3%2F8 and y+=+7%2F12