How do you simplify #abs(1/5-1/3)#?
1 Answer
Mar 24, 2018
Explanation:
#"evaluating the fractions as a first step"#
#"Before subtracting we require a "color(blue)"common denominator"#
#"the lowest common multiple of 5 and 3 is 15"#
#rArr1/5-1/3=(1xx3)/(5xx3)-(1xx5)/(3xx5)=3/15-5/15#
#"subtract the numerators leaving the denominator"#
#rArr3/15-5/15=(3-5)/15=-2/15#
#"the "color(blue)"absolute value is always positive"#
#rArr|-2/15|=2/15#
