math help

What is 48/30 + 7/8?

What is 48/30 + 7/8?

This is how you add

48
30
+
7
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 48 by 8, and get 384, then we multiply 30 by 8 and get 240.

48/30 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 30, and get 210, then multiply 30 by 8 and get 240.

7/8 times 30

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

384
240
+
210
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 210 = 594

So what's the answer so far?

594
240

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:

594
240
÷ 2 =
297
120

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

297
120
÷ 3 =
99
40

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 41 is larger than 40. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 7/8

48
30
+
7
8
=
99
40
© 2014 Randy Tayler