math help

What is 48/30 + 2/8?

What is 48/30 + 2/8?

Here's how we add

48
30
+
2
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 48 by 8, and get 384, then we multiply 30 by 8 and get 240.

48/30 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 30, and get 60, then multiply 30 by 8 and get 240.

2/8 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

384
240
+
60
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 60 = 444

So the answer is:

444
240

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:

444
240
÷ 2 =
222
120

Now, try the same number again.

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

222
120
÷ 2 =
111
60

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:

111
60
÷ 3 =
37
20

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 48/30 + 2/8

48
30
+
2
8
=
37
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler