math help

What is 6/2 + 4/8?

What is 6/2 + 4/8?

This is how to add

6
2
+
4
8

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 8, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 6 by 4, and get 24, then we multiply 2 by 4 and get 8.

6/2 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

24
8
+
4
8

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 4 = 28

Now we have an answer.

28
8

Step 3

Last 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...

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

28
8
÷ 2 =
14
4

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:

14
4
÷ 2 =
7
2

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. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 6/2 + 4/8

6
2
+
4
8
=
7
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler