Question 369964
{{{3/8-1/5}}} 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 <a href=http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/divisibility/least-common-multiple.solver>solver</a>)



Now we need to get each denominator to 40



{{{(5/5)(3/8)-1/5}}} Multiply {{{3/8}}} by {{{(5/5)}}}



{{{15/40-1/5}}} Multiply {{{3/8}}} and {{{(5/5)}}} to get {{{15/40}}}



{{{15/40-(8/8)(1/5)}}} Multiply {{{1/5}}} by {{{(8/8)}}}



{{{15/40-8/40}}} Multiply {{{1/5}}} and {{{(8/8)}}} to get {{{8/40}}}



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



{{{(15-8)/40}}} Combine the fractions



{{{7/40}}} Subtract the numerators



So


{{{3/8-1/5=7/40}}}



For more help with fractions, check out <a href="http://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/NumericFractions/fractions-solver.solver">this solver</a>



If you need more help, email me at <a href="mailto:jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com?Subject=Algebra%20Help">jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com</a>


Also, feel free to check out my <a href="http://www.freewebs.com/jimthompson5910/home.html">tutoring website</a>


Jim