math help

What is 6/88 + 2/5?

What is 6/88 + 2/5?

This is how we add

6
88
+
2
5

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

6/88 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 88, and get 176, then multiply 88 by 5 and get 440.

2/5 times 88

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

30
440
+
176
440

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 176 = 206

So what's the answer so far?

206
440

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:

206
440
÷ 2 =
103
220

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. 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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 79...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 83...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 89...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 97...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 101...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 103...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 107...

No good. 107 is larger than 103. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 6/88 + 2/5

6
88
+
2
5
=
103
220
© 2014 Randy Tayler