What is 2/8 minus 2/3? (Answer: -5/12)

Exact Answer

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Problem: What is 2/8 minus 2/3?
Formula / Expression: 2/8 − 2/3
Final Answer: -5/12
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Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 8 and 3 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 8 × 3 = 24.
Working: LCD(8, 3) = 24

Step 2: Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 24
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/8 by 3, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/3 by 8 so both fractions share the common base 24.
Working: 2 × 3/8 × 3 = 6/24 and 2 × 8/3 × 8 = 16/24

Step 3: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (6 − 16 = -10) and keep the common denominator 24 unchanged.
Working: 6 − 16/24 = -10/24

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 10 and 24, which is 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 2.
Working: -10 ÷ 2/24 ÷ 2 = -5/12

Step 5: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -5 by denominator 12 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.416667, or -41.6667%).
Working: -5 ÷ 12 = -0.416667 (-41.6667%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -5/12
- Mixed Number Form: -5/12
- Decimal Value: -0.416667
- Percentage: -41.6667%

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Solved with FractionsCalc:
https://fractionscalc.com/what-is-2-8-minus-2-3/
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2/8 − 2/3 = -5/12

Simplified Fraction

-5/12

Mixed Number

Proper (-5/12)

Decimal Value

-0.416667

Percentage

-41.6667%

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Step-by-Step Solution: 2/8 − 2/3

Step 1

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

The denominators 8 and 3 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 8 × 3 = 24.

LCD(8, 3) = 24

Step 2

Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 24

Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/8 by 3, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/3 by 8 so both fractions share the common base 24.

2 × 3/8 × 3 = 6/24 and 2 × 8/3 × 8 = 16/24

Step 3

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (6 − 16 = -10) and keep the common denominator 24 unchanged.

6 − 16/24 = -10/24

Step 4

Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 10 and 24, which is 2. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 2.

-10 ÷ 2/24 ÷ 2 = -5/12

Step 5

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -5 by denominator 12 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.416667, or -41.6667%).

-5 ÷ 12 = -0.416667 (-41.6667%)

Visual Representation

The diagram below illustrates 2/8 minus 2/3 visually:

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-5/12`
Mixed Number Form	`-5/12`
Decimal Form	`-0.416667`
Percentage	`-41.6667%`

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2/8 minus 2/3 as a fraction?

2/8 − 2/3 in simplest fraction form is -5/12.

What is 2/8 minus 2/3 as a decimal?

2/8 − 2/3 converted to a decimal is -0.416667.

What is 2/8 minus 2/3 as a percentage?

2/8 − 2/3 expressed as a percentage is -41.6667%.

Does 2/8 minus 2/3 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?

It results in a repeating decimal (approximately -0.416667...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.