math help

What is 30/50 + 1/3?

What is 30/50 + 1/3?

Here's how to add

30
50
+
1
3

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 30 by 3, and get 90, then we multiply 50 by 3 and get 150.

30/50 times 3

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 50, and get 50, then multiply 50 by 3 and get 150.

1/3 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

90
150
+
50
150

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

90 + 50 = 140

Now we have an answer.

140
150

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...

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

140
150
÷ 2 =
70
75

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

70
75
÷ 5 =
14
15

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 17 is larger than 14. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 1/3

30
50
+
1
3
=
14
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler