To find the sum or difference of the given fractions [tex]\(-\frac{5}{8} - \frac{4}{8}\)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Identify the fractions and their signs:
- The first fraction is [tex]\(-\frac{5}{8}\)[/tex].
- The second fraction is [tex]\(-\frac{4}{8}\)[/tex].
2. Since the fractions have the same denominator, you can proceed to add or subtract their numerators directly:
- Numerator of the first fraction is [tex]\(-5\)[/tex].
- Numerator of the second fraction is [tex]\(-4\)[/tex].
3. Combine the numerators:
[tex]\[
-5 + (-4) = -5 - 4
\][/tex]
4. Simplify the expression:
[tex]\[
-5 - 4 = -9
\][/tex]
5. Write the combined fraction with the resulting numerator and the common denominator:
[tex]\[
-\frac{9}{8}
\][/tex]
6. Check if the fraction can be simplified further:
- In this case, [tex]\(\frac{9}{8}\)[/tex] is already in its simplest form since 9 and 8 have no common factors other than 1.
Thus, the final simplified form of the sum [tex]\(-\frac{5}{8} - \frac{4}{8}\)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[
-\frac{9}{8} = -1.125
\][/tex]
So, the result is [tex]\(-1.125\)[/tex].
