math help

What is 24/26 + 1/5?

What is 24/26 + 1/5?

Here's how to add

24
26
+
1
5

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 24 by 5, and get 120, then we multiply 26 by 5 and get 130.

24/26 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 26, and get 26, then multiply 26 by 5 and get 130.

1/5 times 26

So now our fractions look like this:

120
130
+
26
130

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 26 = 146

So the answer is:

146
130

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:

146
130
÷ 2 =
73
65

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...

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. 67 is larger than 65. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/26 + 1/5

24
26
+
1
5
=
73
65
© 2014 Randy Tayler