math help

What is 30/50 + 6/7?

What is 30/50 + 6/7?

This is how you add

30
50
+
6
7

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 7, and get 210, then we multiply 50 by 7 and get 350.

30/50 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 50, and get 300, then multiply 50 by 7 and get 350.

6/7 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

210
350
+
300
350

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

210 + 300 = 510

So what's the answer so far?

510
350

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:

510
350
÷ 2 =
255
175

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:

255
175
÷ 5 =
51
35

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 35. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 6/7

30
50
+
6
7
=
51
35
© 2014 Randy Tayler