math help

What is 50/8 + 5/10?

What is 50/8 + 5/10?

This is how we add

50
8
+
5
10

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

50/8 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 8, and get 40, then multiply 8 by 10 and get 80.

5/10 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

500
80
+
40
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

500 + 40 = 540

That gives us an answer of

540
80

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:

540
80
÷ 2 =
270
40

Now, try the same number again.

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

270
40
÷ 2 =
135
20

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

135
20
÷ 5 =
27
4

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 50/8 + 5/10

50
8
+
5
10
=
27
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler