math help

What is 49/9 + 6/8?

What is 49/9 + 6/8?

This is how you add

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

49/9 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 9, and get 54, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

6/8 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

392
72
+
54
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

392 + 54 = 446

So the answer is:

446
72

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:

446
72
÷ 2 =
223
36

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 49/9 + 6/8

49
9
+
6
8
=
223
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler