Question

subtract.
$-\frac{1}{8} - \frac{1}{4}$
give your answer in simplest form.

Explanation:

Step1: Find a common denominator

The denominators are 8 and 4. The least common denominator is 8. Rewrite \(\frac{1}{4}\) with denominator 8: \(\frac{1}{4}=\frac{1\times2}{4\times2}=\frac{2}{8}\)

Step2: Subtract the fractions

Now we have \(-\frac{1}{8}-\frac{2}{8}\). When subtracting fractions with the same denominator, subtract the numerators: \(-\frac{1 + 2}{8}=-\frac{3}{8}\)

Answer:

\(-\frac{3}{8}\)