math help

What is 50/8 + 1/6?

What is 50/8 + 1/6?

This is how you add

50
8
+
1
6

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 50 by 6, and get 300, then we multiply 8 by 6 and get 48.

50/8 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 8, and get 8, then multiply 8 by 6 and get 48.

1/6 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

300
48
+
8
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

300 + 8 = 308

That gives us an answer of

308
48

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:

308
48
÷ 2 =
154
24

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

154
24
÷ 2 =
77
12

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 1/6

50
8
+
1
6
=
77
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler