What is 5/8 + 2/9?
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This is how we add
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Step 1We 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 5 by 9, and get 45, then we multiply 8 by 9 and get 72. Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 8, and get 16, then multiply 8 by 9 and get 72. So now our fractions look like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 45 + 16 = 61 So the answer is:
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Step 3Last 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... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61... Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67... No good. 67 is larger than 61. So we're done reducing. There you have it! Here's the final answer to 5/8 + 2/9
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