math help

What is 48/30 + 6/8?

What is 48/30 + 6/8?

Let's add

48
30
+
6
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 6 by 30, and get 180, then multiply 30 by 8 and get 240.

6/8 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

384
240
+
180
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 180 = 564

Now we have an answer.

564
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:

564
240
÷ 2 =
282
120

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

282
120
÷ 2 =
141
60

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

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

141
60
÷ 3 =
47
20

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 6/8

48
30
+
6
8
=
47
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler