math help

What is 24/5 + 3/8?

What is 24/5 + 3/8?

Here's how you add

24
5
+
3
8

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 8, and get 192, then we multiply 5 by 8 and get 40.

24/5 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 5, and get 15, then multiply 5 by 8 and get 40.

3/8 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

192
40
+
15
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 15 = 207

So the answer is:

207
40

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. 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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

No good. 41 is larger than 40. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/5 + 3/8

24
5
+
3
8
=
207
40
© 2014 Randy Tayler