E Addition or subtraction of fractions with different denominators Subtract. \( \frac{7}{8}-\frac{3}{5} \) Write your answer as a fraction in simplest form.

To subtract fractions with different denominators, first find a common denominator. The least common multiple of 8 and 5 is 40. Rewrite the fractions: \(\frac{7}{8} = \frac{35}{40}\) (because \(7 \times 5 = 35\)) \(\frac{3}{5} = \frac{24}{40}\) (because \(3 \times 8 = 24\)) Now, perform the subtraction: \(\frac{35}{40} - \frac{24}{40} = \frac{11}{40}\). So, the answer in simplest form is \(\frac{11}{40}\). To help remember when subtracting fractions, think of the phrase “Common Denominator, Common Sense!” Finding a shared base makes it much easier to combine or separate fractions without any confusion. And don’t forget to always simplify your final answer when possible to keep things neat! When faced with fractions, one common mistake is forgetting to convert both fractions to the common denominator before performing operations. This can lead to incorrect answers and unnecessary frustration! Always double-check that you're working with the same bottom numbers; it's the key to fraction success!