math help

What is 6/19 + 4/8?

What is 6/19 + 4/8?

This is how you add

6
19
+
4
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 6 by 8, and get 48, then we multiply 19 by 8 and get 152.

6/19 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 19, and get 76, then multiply 19 by 8 and get 152.

4/8 times 19

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

48
152
+
76
152

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 76 = 124

So what's the answer so far?

124
152

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:

124
152
÷ 2 =
62
76

Now, try the same number again.

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

62
76
÷ 2 =
31
38

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 31. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 6/19 + 4/8

6
19
+
4
8
=
31
38
© 2014 Randy Tayler