math help

What is 50/8 + 4/10?

What is 50/8 + 4/10?

This is how you add

50
8
+
4
10

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 10, and get 500, then we multiply 8 by 10 and get 80.

50/8 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 8, and get 32, then multiply 8 by 10 and get 80.

4/10 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

500
80
+
32
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

500 + 32 = 532

So the answer is:

532
80

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:

532
80
÷ 2 =
266
40

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

266
40
÷ 2 =
133
20

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 4/10

50
8
+
4
10
=
133
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler