What is 5/8 - 2/5?

The below workout with step by step calculation shows how to find what is the difference between two fractions by subtracting a fraction 2/5 from 5/8. For different, unequal or unlike denominators, use any one of the following methods to find the equivalent fraction for 5/8 minus 2/5.
1. LCM method
2. Cross multiplication method.

Problem and Workout - LCM Method
What is 5/8 minus 2/5 as a fraction by subtraction using LCM method?

step 1 Address formula, input parameters and values.
Input parameters and values:
5/8 & 2/5
5/8-2/5 = ?

step 2 For unequal denominators, find the LCM (least common multiple) for both denominators
The LCM for 8 and 5 is 40.

step 3 To have the common denominator, multiply the LCM with both numerator and denominator
=(5 x 40)/(8 x 40)-(2 x 40)/(5 x 40)
=25/40-16/40
=(25 - 16)/40

step 4 Find difference between numerators and rewrite it in a single form.
=9/40
5/8-2/5=9/40

By using LCM method, 9/40 is the equivalent fraction by subtracting 2/5 from 5/8.

Problem and Workout - Cross Multiplication Method
step 1 Address formula and input values.
Input values:
5/8 & 2/5
5/8 - 2/5 = ?

step 2 Cross multiply both numerator and denominator, multiply both denominators and rewrite as below
= (5 x 5) - (2 x 8)/(8 x 5)

step 3 Simplify and rewrite the fraction
= (25 - 16)/40
5/8-2/5 = 9/40
By using cross multiplication method, 9/40 is the difference between two fractions 5/8 and 2/5.