Solve 1/2+(-1/4)+(-3/8)=

$$\frac { 1 } { 2 } + ( - \frac { 1 } { 4 } ) + ( - \frac { 3 } { 8 } ) =$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{1}{8}=-0.125$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 2 and 4 is 4. Convert \frac{1}{2} and \frac{1}{4} to fractions with denominator 4.

$$\frac{2}{4}-\frac{1}{4}-\frac{3}{8}$$

Since \frac{2}{4} and \frac{1}{4} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{2-1}{4}-\frac{3}{8}$$

Subtract 1 from 2 to get 1.

$$\frac{1}{4}-\frac{3}{8}$$

Least common multiple of 4 and 8 is 8. Convert \frac{1}{4} and \frac{3}{8} to fractions with denominator 8.

$$\frac{2}{8}-\frac{3}{8}$$

Since \frac{2}{8} and \frac{3}{8} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{2-3}{8}$$

Subtract 3 from 2 to get -1.

$$-\frac{1}{8}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{1}{8} = -0.125$$