math help

What is 53/9 + 3/8?

What is 53/9 + 3/8?

This is how we add

53
9
+
3
8

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 53 by 8, and get 424, then we multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

53/9 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

3/8 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

424
72
+
27
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

424 + 27 = 451

That gives us an answer of

451
72

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

No good. 73 is larger than 72. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 53/9 + 3/8

53
9
+
3
8
=
451
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler