math help

What is 30/50 + 5/8?

What is 30/50 + 5/8?

This is how you add

30
50
+
5
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 30 by 8, and get 240, then we multiply 50 by 8 and get 400.

30/50 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 50, and get 250, then multiply 50 by 8 and get 400.

5/8 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

240
400
+
250
400

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

240 + 250 = 490

So what's the answer so far?

490
400

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:

490
400
÷ 2 =
245
200

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:

245
200
÷ 5 =
49
40

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 5/8

30
50
+
5
8
=
49
40
© 2014 Randy Tayler