math help

What is 24/5 + 1/3?

What is 24/5 + 1/3?

Here's how you add

24
5
+
1
3

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 24 by 3, and get 72, then we multiply 5 by 3 and get 15.

24/5 times 3

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 5, and get 5, then multiply 5 by 3 and get 15.

1/3 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

72
15
+
5
15

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

72 + 5 = 77

That gives us an answer of

77
15

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 1/3

24
5
+
1
3
=
77
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler