What is 5/8 - 3/8?

Here's how to subtract 3/8 from 5/8:

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

5 − 3 = 2

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...

No good. 2 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.