<PRE><B>Question 48534</B>
1/8 - 3/5 = 1/x [Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)]
1/8 - 3/5 = 1/x}  [LCD = 8*5*x = 40x]
(40x)(1/8) - (40x)(3/5) = (40x)(1/x) [Multiply each term by the LCD] 
5x - (8x)(3) = (40)  [Cancel out wherever possible]
5x-24x=40 [Simplify]
-19x=40
x=-40/19
.
Check by plugging (x=-40/19) back into the original equation and solve]
1/8 - 3/5 = 1/(-40/19)
-.475 = -.475</PRE>