What is 3/24 + 5/8?

Here's how you add

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 8 is evenly divided by 24, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 5 by 3, and get 15, then we multiply 8 by 3 and get 24.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

3 + 15 = 18

So the answer is:

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...

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

Now, try the same number again.

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

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/24 + 5/8