Question

simplify and explain -2/3 - 5/8

Answer 1

-31/24

Answer 2

In order to add or subtract fractions they must have the same denominator. Since you can multiply an equation by 1 without changing the equation, you take whatever multiplier you need for the denominator and also multiply the numerator by that same number, which gives you a fraction of x/x or 1. Only after you have the same denominator on both fractions are you then able to add/subtract your numerators.