How do you simplify #abs(1/5-1/3)#?

1 Answer
Mar 24, 2018

#2/15#

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#