Question

Simplify:
`|( (1)/(4) - (1)/(5) ) | + ( - (3)/(4) + (1)/(8) ) |`A.) 23/40B.) -5/8C.) 1/20D.) 3/16

Answer 1

The given expression is

`|((1)/(4)-(1)/(5))+(-(3)/(4)+(1)/(8))|`

First, less solve each difference of fractions.

`|(1)/(4)-(1)/(5)-(3)/(4)+(1)/(8)|`

Now, we find the least common multiple.

4 5 4 8 | 2

2 5 2 4 | 2

1 5 1 2 | 2

1 5 1 1 | 5

1 1 1 1

So, the least common factor is 2x2x2x5=40

`|(10-8-30+5)/(40)|=|(-23)/(40)|=(23)/(40)`

Hence, the answer is A) 23/40.