math help

What is 2/4 + 7/8?

What is 2/4 + 7/8?

Here's how to add

2
4
+
7
8

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

8 goes into 4 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 2, and get 4, then we multiply 4 by 2 and get 8.

2/4 times 2

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

4
8
+
7
8

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

4 + 7 = 11

So what's the answer so far?

11
8

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 8. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 2/4 + 7/8

2
4
+
7
8
=
11
8
© 2014 Randy Tayler