Perform the indicated operation. Express your answer in simplest form.
-$\frac { 3 } { 8 } - \frac { 5 } { 9 }$
A) $\frac { - 2 } { 17 }$
B) $\frac { - 1 } { 36 }$
C) $\frac { - 13 } { 72 }$
D) $\frac { - 13 } { 17 }$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To subtract fractions with different denominators, find a common denominator, which in this case is 72 (the least common multiple of 8 and 9). Convert each fraction: $\frac{3}{8} = \frac{27}{72}$ and $\frac{5}{9} = \frac{40}{72}$. Subtracting gives $\frac{27}{72} - \frac{40}{72} = \frac{-13}{72}$.

Perform the Indicated Operation 38−59\frac { 3 } { 8 } - \frac { 5 } { 9 }83​−95​

Perform the Indicated Operation $\frac { 3 } { 8 } - \frac { 5 } { 9 }$