Given 5x - 6 = 3x - 8

5x - 3x = -8 + 6

2x = -2

=> x = -1.

Now to find the difference in the given fractions, 1/2 - 1/8

First take the LCM of 2 & 8

LCM of 2 & 8 is 8

Then,

1/2 - 1/8

= (4 - 1)/8

= 3/8

Hence, 1/2 - 1/8 = 3/8.

In an algebraic expression, like terms are terms that contain the same variables raised to the same powers. Calculating x-squared plus x-squared is a matter of combining like terms. 

Now x^2 + x^2 = 2x^2

Hence, x-squared plus x-squared is equal to 2 times x squared.