What is 1/15 + 1/8?

Here's how we add

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 1 by 8, and get 8, then we multiply 15 by 8 and get 120.

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 15, and get 15, then multiply 15 by 8 and get 120.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

8 + 15 = 23

That gives us an answer of

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 1/15 + 1/8