What is 1/8 - 7/8?

Here's how to subtract 7/8 from 1/8:

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

1 − 7 = -6

So the answer is:

Step 2

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than -3. So we're done reducing.