math help

What is 50/8 + 8/11?

What is 50/8 + 8/11?

Here's how to add

50
8
+
8
11

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 11, and get 550, then we multiply 8 by 11 and get 88.

50/8 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 8, and get 64, then multiply 8 by 11 and get 88.

8/11 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

550
88
+
64
88

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

550 + 64 = 614

So what's the answer so far?

614
88

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:

614
88
÷ 2 =
307
44

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 44. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 8/11

50
8
+
8
11
=
307
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler