What is 24/5 + 1/2?

Here's how we add

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 2, and get 48, then we multiply 5 by 2 and get 10.

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 5, and get 5, then multiply 5 by 2 and get 10.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 5 = 53

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...

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. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 1/2