math help

What is 50/8 + 5/9?

What is 50/8 + 5/9?

This is how you add

50
8
+
5
9

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 9, and get 450, then we multiply 8 by 9 and get 72.

50/8 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 8, and get 40, then multiply 8 by 9 and get 72.

5/9 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

450
72
+
40
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

450 + 40 = 490

So the answer is:

490
72

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:

490
72
÷ 2 =
245
36

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 5/9

50
8
+
5
9
=
245
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler