math help

What is 50/8 + 9/10?

What is 50/8 + 9/10?

Here's how to add

50
8
+
9
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 9 by 8, and get 72, then multiply 8 by 10 and get 80.

9/10 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

500
80
+
72
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

500 + 72 = 572

So what's the answer so far?

572
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:

572
80
÷ 2 =
286
40

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

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

286
40
÷ 2 =
143
20

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. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 9/10

50
8
+
9
10
=
143
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler