Sum of  

-7/8

and

5/8

in Simplest Form

Given:   +
Since the denominators are common (the same), we can add the numerators:
+ = = However,    is NOT in Simplest Form since the Greatest Common Factor of 2 and 8 does not equal 1, GCF(2, 8) ≠ 1
Upon inspection, the GCF(2, 8) = 2In Simplest Form,   = =  (1 is the only factor common to 1 and 4)Therefore, the Sum of  

-7/8

and

5/8

is equal to

-1/4

in Simplest Form:  

-7/8

+

5/8

=

-1/4

Note:   + = −