For adding, subtracting, and comparing fractions, it is suitable to adjust both fractions to a common (equal, identical) denominator. The common denominator you can calculate as the least common multiple of the both denominators - LCM(8, 5) = 40. In practice, it is enough to find the common denominator (not necessarily the lowest) by multiplying the denominators: 8 × 5 = 40. In the next intermediate step the fraction result cannot be further simplified by cancelling.
In words - seven eighths minus four fifths = three fortieths.
Exponentiation: the result of step No. 1 ^ 2 = (3
40
) ^ 2 = 32
402
= 9
1600
In words - three fortieths squared = nine one-thousand six-hundredths.
