math help

What is 24/5 + 5/6?

What is 24/5 + 5/6?

Here's how you add

24
5
+
5
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 5 by 5, and get 25, then multiply 5 by 6 and get 30.

5/6 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

144
30
+
25
30

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 25 = 169

So the answer is:

169
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. 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...

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

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

24
5
+
5
6
=
169
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler