Simplify 1/a-1/b

Problem

1/a−1/b

Solution

1. Identify the least common denominator for the two fractions, which is the product of the denominators a and b

2. Rewrite the first fraction by multiplying the numerator and denominator by b

(1⋅b)/(a⋅b)=b/(a*b)

3. Rewrite the second fraction by multiplying the numerator and denominator by a

(1⋅a)/(b⋅a)=a/(a*b)

4. Subtract the numerators over the common denominator.

b/(a*b)−a/(a*b)=(b−a)/(a*b)

Final Answer

1/a−1/b=(b−a)/(a*b)

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