math help

What is 3/10 + 4/8?

What is 3/10 + 4/8?

Here's how we add

3
10
+
4
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 3 by 8, and get 24, then we multiply 10 by 8 and get 80.

3/10 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 10, and get 40, then multiply 10 by 8 and get 80.

4/8 times 10

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

24
80
+
40
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 40 = 64

That gives us an answer of

64
80

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:

64
80
÷ 2 =
32
40

Now, try the same number again.

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

32
40
÷ 2 =
16
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

16
20
÷ 2 =
8
10

Now, try the same number again.

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

8
10
÷ 2 =
4
5

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/10 + 4/8

3
10
+
4
8
=
4
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler