math help

What is 53/9 + 7/8?

What is 53/9 + 7/8?

Here's how to add

53
9
+
7
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 7 by 9, and get 63, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

7/8 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

424
72
+
63
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

424 + 63 = 487

So what's the answer so far?

487
72

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 53/9 + 7/8

53
9
+
7
8
=
487
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler