Question

How do you solve for 2/5 - 1/3?

Answer 1

`(2)/(5)-(1)/(3)=(1)/(15)`

Step-by-step explanation:

`(2)/(5)-(1)/(3)`

In order to subtract fractions we need to take a least common denominator of 5 and 3. This denominator must be the least common multiple of both numbers.

Multiples of 3→ 3,9,12,15,....

Multiples of 5→ 5,10,15,......

From the multiples we find out the least common number to be
`=15`

So 15 will be the least common denominator.

In order to make the denominator =15 for both fractions, we need to multiply the same numbers to numerator and denominator of each fraction.

⇒
`(2* 3)/(5* 3)-(1* 5)/(3* 5)`

⇒
`(6)/(15)-(5)/(15)`

Then we can subtract the numerators keeping the denominator same.

⇒
`(6-5)/(15)`

⇒
`(1)/(15)`