What is 1/2 + 5/8?

This is how you add

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 8, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then we multiply 2 by 4 and get 8.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

4 + 5 = 9

So the answer is:

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing 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...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 1/2 + 5/8