Step by step
The question
Question: work out −5/8 − 1/8.
−58 − 18
1 Take away the tops
The bottoms are the same, so the pieces are the same size.
We take away the tops.
The bottom stays 8, because the size of the pieces does not change.
= −5 − 18
−5 minus 1 is −6.
= −68
2 Simplify
Both 6 and 8 can be divided by 2.
That makes it simpler.
= −6 ÷ 28 ÷ 2
So it is −3/4.
= −34
Can we make it simpler?
No number goes into both 3 and 4, except 1.
So it stays like this.
simplest ✓
So the answer is −3/4.
Let's look back.
First: take away the tops.
Last: simplify.
Answer
= −34