math help

What is 78/10 + 1/4?

What is 78/10 + 1/4?

This is how you add

78
10
+
1
4

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 78 by 4, and get 312, then we multiply 10 by 4 and get 40.

78/10 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 10, and get 10, then multiply 10 by 4 and get 40.

1/4 times 10

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

312
40
+
10
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

312 + 10 = 322

So what's the answer so far?

322
40

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:

322
40
÷ 2 =
161
20

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 78/10 + 1/4

78
10
+
1
4
=
161
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler