math help

What is 50/8 + 5/6?

What is 50/8 + 5/6?

This is how to add

50
8
+
5
6

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

50/8 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 8, and get 40, then multiply 8 by 6 and get 48.

5/6 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

300
48
+
40
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

300 + 40 = 340

So what's the answer so far?

340
48

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:

340
48
÷ 2 =
170
24

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

170
24
÷ 2 =
85
12

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 5/6

50
8
+
5
6
=
85
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler