math help

What is 6/88 + 1/5?

What is 6/88 + 1/5?

This is how you add

6
88
+
1
5

Step 1

We 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 6 by 5, and get 30, then we multiply 88 by 5 and get 440.

6/88 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 88, and get 88, then multiply 88 by 5 and get 440.

1/5 times 88

So now our fractions look like this:

30
440
+
88
440

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 88 = 118

Now we have an answer.

118
440

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:

118
440
÷ 2 =
59
220

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...

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...

No good. 61 is larger than 59. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 6/88 + 1/5

6
88
+
1
5
=
59
220
© 2014 Randy Tayler