math help

What is 40/41 + 4/8?

What is 40/41 + 4/8?

This is how you add

40
41
+
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 40 by 8, and get 320, then we multiply 41 by 8 and get 328.

40/41 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 41, and get 164, then multiply 41 by 8 and get 328.

4/8 times 41

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

320
328
+
164
328

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

320 + 164 = 484

So what's the answer so far?

484
328

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:

484
328
÷ 2 =
242
164

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

242
164
÷ 2 =
121
82

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...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 71...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 73...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 79...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 83...

No good. 83 is larger than 82. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 40/41 + 4/8

40
41
+
4
8
=
121
82
© 2014 Randy Tayler