math help

What is 4/52 + 3/5?

What is 4/52 + 3/5?

Let's add

4
52
+
3
5

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 4 by 5, and get 20, then we multiply 52 by 5 and get 260.

4/52 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 52, and get 156, then multiply 52 by 5 and get 260.

3/5 times 52

So now our fractions look like this:

20
260
+
156
260

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

20 + 156 = 176

So the answer is:

176
260

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:

176
260
÷ 2 =
88
130

Now, try the same number again.

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

88
130
÷ 2 =
44
65

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 44. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/52 + 3/5

4
52
+
3
5
=
44
65
© 2014 Randy Tayler