Question

Perform the indicated operation.

2/3 - 5/8

Answer 1

The denominators are not the same, so you can't subtract until they are

Answer 2

What is the LCD of 3 and 8?

Answer 3

LCD?

Answer 4

or LCM of 3 and 8

Answer 5

LCD = lowest common denominator

LCM = lowest common multiple

Answer 6

Would I have to cross multiply?

Answer 7

that only applies to equations, but I think I know what you mean

Answer 8

1\24 is the answer

Answer 9

\[\Large \frac{2}{3} - \frac{5}{8}\]

\[\Large \frac{2*8}{3*8} - \frac{5*3}{8*3}\]

\[\Large \frac{16}{24} - \frac{15}{24}\]

Was that what you were thinking?

Answer 10

yep

Answer 11

Yes Jim that is what I was thinking. Now would I need to subtract just the top?

Answer 12

exactly

Answer 13

So it would be 1/24

Answer 14

you nailed it

Answer 15

hopefully you see how I got all that?

Answer 16

I did yes, and It's helping me on my other questions as well :)

Answer 17

alright, that's great