math help

What is 49/9 + 3/8?

What is 49/9 + 3/8?

This is how to add

49
9
+
3
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 49 by 8, and get 392, then we multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

49/9 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

3/8 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

392
72
+
27
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

392 + 27 = 419

So what's the answer so far?

419
72

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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...

No good. 73 is larger than 72. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 49/9 + 3/8

49
9
+
3
8
=
419
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler