math help

What is 50/8 + 1/5?

What is 50/8 + 1/5?

Let's add

50
8
+
1
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 50 by 5, and get 250, then we multiply 8 by 5 and get 40.

50/8 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 8, and get 8, then multiply 8 by 5 and get 40.

1/5 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

250
40
+
8
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

250 + 8 = 258

So the answer is:

258
40

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:

258
40
÷ 2 =
129
20

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 50/8 + 1/5

50
8
+
1
5
=
129
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler