math help

What is 24/5 + 1/6?

What is 24/5 + 1/6?

Let's add

24
5
+
1
6

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 6, and get 144, then we multiply 5 by 6 and get 30.

24/5 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 5, and get 5, then multiply 5 by 6 and get 30.

1/6 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

144
30
+
5
30

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 5 = 149

Now we have an answer.

149
30

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! 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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 1/6

24
5
+
1
6
=
149
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler