Question

subtract.
$-dfrac{1}{2} - dfrac{7}{8}$
write your answer in simplest form.

Explanation:

Step1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are 2 and 8. The least common denominator is 8. Rewrite \(-\frac{1}{2}\) with denominator 8: \(-\frac{1}{2}=-\frac{1\times4}{2\times4}=-\frac{4}{8}\)

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Now we have \(-\frac{4}{8}-\frac{7}{8}\). When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators: \(\frac{-4 - 7}{8}=\frac{-11}{8}\)

Answer:

\(-\frac{11}{8}\)