What is 3/20 + 2/8?

Here's how you add

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 20 by 8 and get 160.

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 20, and get 40, then multiply 20 by 8 and get 160.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 40 = 64

That gives us an answer of

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:

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 3/20 + 2/8