math help

What is 4/52 + 5/8?

What is 4/52 + 5/8?

This is how to add

4
52
+
5
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 4 by 8, and get 32, then we multiply 52 by 8 and get 416.

4/52 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 52, and get 260, then multiply 52 by 8 and get 416.

5/8 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

32
416
+
260
416

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

32 + 260 = 292

So what's the answer so far?

292
416

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:

292
416
÷ 2 =
146
208

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

146
208
÷ 2 =
73
104

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...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 79...

No good. 79 is larger than 73. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 4/52 + 5/8

4
52
+
5
8
=
73
104
© 2014 Randy Tayler