Simplifying the Expression: (1/2a - 1/3b) - (1/3b - 1/2a)
This expression involves fractions with variables in the denominator. Let's break down the steps to simplify it:
Step 1: Distribute the Negative Sign
The expression contains a subtraction between two sets of parentheses. The negative sign in front of the second set of parentheses needs to be distributed:
(1/2a - 1/3b) - (1/3b - 1/2a) = 1/2a - 1/3b - 1/3b + 1/2a
Step 2: Combine Like Terms
Now we can combine the terms with the same variable:
(1/2a + 1/2a) + (-1/3b - 1/3b)
Step 3: Simplify
Adding the coefficients of the like terms, we get:
(1/2a + 1/2a) + (-1/3b - 1/3b) = a - 2/3b
Final Result
The simplified form of the expression (1/2a - 1/3b) - (1/3b - 1/2a) is a - 2/3b.