Question
uses \( \frac{2}{5} \) pound in sandwiches. What common denominator would you use to subtract \( \frac{2}{5} \) from \( \frac{5}{8} \) ?
Ask by Ray Chang. in the United States
Mar 20,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Use a common denominator of 40.
Solution
1. Identify the denominators of the fractions:
- First fraction: \( \frac{2}{5} \) has a denominator of \(5\).
- Second fraction: \( \frac{5}{8} \) has a denominator of \(8\).
2. Find the least common multiple (LCM) of \(5\) and \(8\):
- The LCM of \(5\) and \(8\) is \(40\).
3. Therefore, the common denominator to use is \(40\).
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Beyond the Answer
To subtract \( \frac{2}{5} \) from \( \frac{5}{8} \), you'll want to find a common denominator that is a multiple of both 5 and 8. The least common multiple (LCM) of 5 and 8 is 40. So, you'll convert both fractions to have a denominator of 40 to make the subtraction easier! Once you have both fractions with a common denominator, you can rewrite \( \frac{5}{8} \) as \( \frac{25}{40} \) and \( \frac{2}{5} \) as \( \frac{16}{40} \). Now you're ready to subtract: \( \frac{25}{40} - \frac{16}{40} = \frac{9}{40} \). Happy calculating!