math help

What is 34/3 + 7/8?

What is 34/3 + 7/8?

This is how we add

34
3
+
7
8

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 34 by 8, and get 272, then we multiply 3 by 8 and get 24.

34/3 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 3, and get 21, then multiply 3 by 8 and get 24.

7/8 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

272
24
+
21
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

272 + 21 = 293

Now we have an answer.

293
24

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...

No good. 29 is larger than 24. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 34/3 + 7/8

34
3
+
7
8
=
293
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler