math help

What is 50/8 + 8/10?

What is 50/8 + 8/10?

This is how to add

50
8
+
8
10

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

50/8 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 8, and get 64, then multiply 8 by 10 and get 80.

8/10 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

500
80
+
64
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

500 + 64 = 564

Now we have an answer.

564
80

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:

564
80
÷ 2 =
282
40

Now, try the same number again.

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

282
40
÷ 2 =
141
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

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

50
8
+
8
10
=
141
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler