math help

What is 22/22 + 4/8?

What is 22/22 + 4/8?

Here's how to add

22
22
+
4
8

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 22 by 8, and get 176, then we multiply 22 by 8 and get 176.

22/22 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 22, and get 88, then multiply 22 by 8 and get 176.

4/8 times 22

So now our fractions look like this:

176
176
+
88
176

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

176 + 88 = 264

So the answer is:

264
176

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

264
176
÷ 2 =
132
88

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

132
88
÷ 2 =
66
44

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

66
44
÷ 2 =
33
22

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 11? Yes! So we reduce it:

33
22
÷ 11 =
3
2

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. 11 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 22/22 + 4/8

22
22
+
4
8
=
3
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler