math help

What is 30/50 + 3/5?

What is 30/50 + 3/5?

Here's how we add

30
50
+
3
5

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 5 is evenly divided by 50, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 3 by 10, and get 30, then we multiply 5 by 10 and get 50.

3/5 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

30
50
+
30
50

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 30 = 60

So the answer is:

60
50

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:

60
50
÷ 2 =
30
25

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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

30
25
÷ 5 =
6
5

Now, try the same number again.

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

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 30/50 + 3/5

30
50
+
3
5
=
6
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler