math help

What is 24/5 + 2/6?

What is 24/5 + 2/6?

This is how you add

24
5
+
2
6

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

24/5 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 5, and get 10, then multiply 5 by 6 and get 30.

2/6 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

144
30
+
10
30

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 10 = 154

So what's the answer so far?

154
30

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

154
30
÷ 2 =
77
15

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/5 + 2/6

24
5
+
2
6
=
77
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler