math help

What is 24/5 + 4/8?

What is 24/5 + 4/8?

This is how to add

24
5
+
4
8

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

24/5 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 5, and get 20, then multiply 5 by 8 and get 40.

4/8 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

192
40
+
20
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 20 = 212

That gives us an answer of

212
40

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:

212
40
÷ 2 =
106
20

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

106
20
÷ 2 =
53
10

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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 + 4/8

24
5
+
4
8
=
53
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler