What is 1/2 - 3/8?

The below workout with step by step calculation shows how to find what is the difference between two fractions by subtracting a fraction 3/8 from 1/2. For different, unequal or unlike denominators, use any one of the following methods to find the equivalent fraction for 1/2 minus 3/8.
1. LCM method
2. Cross multiplication method.

Problem & Workout - LCM Method
What is 1/2 minus 3/8 as a fraction by subtraction using LCM method?

step 1 Address formula, input parameters & values.
Input parameters & values:
1/2 & 3/8
1/2-3/8 = ?

step 2 For unequal denominators, find the LCM (least common multiple) for both denominators
The LCM for 2 and 8 is 8.

step 3 To have the common denominator, multiply the LCM with both numerator & denominator
=(1 x 8)/(2 x 8)-(3 x 8)/(8 x 8)
=4/8-3/8
=(4 - 3)/8

step 4 Find difference between numerators and rewrite it in a single form.
=1/8
1/2-3/8=1/8

By using LCM method, 1/8 is the equivalent fraction by subtracting 3/8 from 1/2.

Problem & Workout - Cross Multiplication Method
step 1 Address formula, input parameters & values.
Input parameters & values:
1/2 & 3/8
1/2 - 3/8 = ?

step 2 Cross multiply both numerator & denominator, multiply both denominators and rewrite as below
= (1 x 8) - (3 x 2)/(2 x 8)

step 3 Simplify & rewrite the fraction
= (8 - 6)/16
= 2/16
= 1/8
1/2-3/8 = 1/8
By using cross multiplication method, 1/8 is the difference between two fractions 1/2 and 3/8.