Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Here's how to subtract 2/8 from 2/5:

2

5

−  

2

8

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 8, and get 16.

Then we multiply 2 by 5, and get 10.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 5 × 8 = 40.

So now our fractions look like this:

16

40

−  

10

40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

16 − 10 = 6

So the answer is:

6

40

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:

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

5

−  

2

8

=  

3

20