To subtract the fractions \( \frac{2}{3} - \frac{3}{8} \), we first need a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of the denominators 3 and 8 is 24.
Next, we will convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 24:
-
Convert \( \frac{2}{3} \): \[ \frac{2}{3} = \frac{2 \times 8}{3 \times 8} = \frac{16}{24} \]
-
Convert \( \frac{3}{8} \): \[ \frac{3}{8} = \frac{3 \times 3}{8 \times 3} = \frac{9}{24} \]
Now we can subtract the two fractions: \[ \frac{16}{24} - \frac{9}{24} = \frac{16 - 9}{24} = \frac{7}{24} \]
The result is \( \frac{7}{24} \).
Thus, the numerator is \( \boxed{7} \).
1 answer