Simplify and solve

Question

25/8 *2/5-3/5*-10/9

Answer 1

Hi Aarushi!

Let's start by breaking down the problem (25/8 * 2/5) - (3/5 * 10/9) step by step.

First, let's focus on (25/8 * 2/5).

When multiplying fractions, always go top times top and bottom times bottom. Meaning, multiply the numerators together and then the denominators together.

(25/8 * 2/5) = (25*2) / (8*5) = 50/40 = 5/4 (Dividing everything by a common factor of 10)

Second, we will focus on (3/5 * 10/9).

(3/5 * 10/9) = (3*10) / (5*9) = 30/45 = 6/9 (Dividing everything by a common factor of 5)

Next, we have to subtract both fractions.

In order to subtract fractions they must have a common denominator (same bottom number). In this case, we have a denominator of 4 and 9. We now must find the least common denominator by determining the least common multiple of each denominator (which is 36 since 4 * 9 = 36)

So, we have:

(5*9 / 4*9) - (6*4 / 9*4) = (45/36) - (24/36)

Lastly, we subtract ONLY the numerators (top numbers) and KEEP the denominators the same and simplify!

(45/36) - (24/36) = 21/36 = 7/12 (Dividing everything by 3!)

Therefore, (25/8 * 2/5) - (3/5 * 10/9) = 7/12!!!

Thanks!

Glendalee