Question

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

$-\frac{11}{8}$