math help

What is 50/8 + 1/9?

What is 50/8 + 1/9?

Here's how you add

50
8
+
1
9

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 9, and get 450, then we multiply 8 by 9 and get 72.

50/8 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 8, and get 8, then multiply 8 by 9 and get 72.

1/9 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

450
72
+
8
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

450 + 8 = 458

Now we have an answer.

458
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:

458
72
÷ 2 =
229
36

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 1/9

50
8
+
1
9
=
229
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler