math help

What is 2/8 - 4/10?

What is 2/8 - 4/10?

Here's how to subtract 4/10 from 2/8:

2
8
4
10

Step 1

We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 2 by 10, and get 20.

Then we multiply 4 by 8, and get 32.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 8 × 10 = 80.

So now our fractions look like this:

20
80
32
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

20 − 32 = -12

So the answer is:

-12
80

Step 3

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:

-12
80
÷ 2 =
-6
40

Let's try dividing by 2 again...

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

-6
40
÷ 2 =
-3
20

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.

There you have it! The final answer is:
2
8
4
10
=
3
20