Question

2/5 - 3/8Write your answer as a fraction in simplest form

Answer 1

The least common denominator of 2/5 and 3/8 is the least common factor of 5 and 8.

Since 8 and 5 have no factors in common, then the least common denominator of 2/5 and 3/8 is:

`8*5=40.`

Therefore:

`(2)/(5)-(3)/(8)=(2*8)/(5*8)-(3*5)/(8*5).`

Simplifying the above result we get:

`(2*8)/(5*8)-(3*5)/(8*5)=(16)/(40)-(15)/(40)=(1)/(40).`

Answer:

`(1)/(40).`