math help

What is 50/8 + 4/6?

What is 50/8 + 4/6?

Here's how you add

50
8
+
4
6

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

50/8 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 8, and get 32, then multiply 8 by 6 and get 48.

4/6 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

300
48
+
32
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

300 + 32 = 332

Now we have an answer.

332
48

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:

332
48
÷ 2 =
166
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:

166
24
÷ 2 =
83
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 + 4/6

50
8
+
4
6
=
83
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler