math help

What is 50/8 + 4/7?

What is 50/8 + 4/7?

This is how to add

50
8
+
4
7

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 7, and get 350, then we multiply 8 by 7 and get 56.

50/8 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 8, and get 32, then multiply 8 by 7 and get 56.

4/7 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

350
56
+
32
56

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

350 + 32 = 382

So what's the answer so far?

382
56

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:

382
56
÷ 2 =
191
28

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 28. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 4/7

50
8
+
4
7
=
191
28
© 2014 Randy Tayler