math help

What is 7/9 + 5/8?

What is 7/9 + 5/8?

Let's add

7
9
+
5
8

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 7 by 8, and get 56, then we multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

7/9 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 9, and get 45, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

5/8 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

56
72
+
45
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

56 + 45 = 101

So what's the answer so far?

101
72

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. 73 is larger than 72. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 7/9 + 5/8

7
9
+
5
8
=
101
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler