Identify numbers and signs: Identify the numbers to be subtracted and their signs.We have two fractions, -87 and -−65. The second fraction has a double negative, which means it will become positive when simplified.
Simplify double negative: Simplify the double negative in the second fraction.The expression -−65 becomes 65 because a negative times a negative is a positive.
Find common denominator: Find a common denominator for the two fractions.The denominators are 8 and 6. The least common multiple of 8 and 6 is 24, so we will use 24 as the common denominator.
Convert to common denominator: Convert each fraction to an equivalent fraction with the common denominator of 24.For -87, we multiply the numerator and denominator by 3 to get -2421.For 65, we multiply the numerator and denominator by 4 to get 2420.
Subtract the fractions: Subtract the two fractions.Now we subtract -2421 from 2420 to get 2420−2421.
Perform the subtraction: Perform the subtraction.2420−2421 equals 24−1.
Check for further simplification: Check if the result can be simplified further.The fraction 24−1 is already in its simplest form because the numerator and denominator have no common factors other than 1.
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