math help

What is 78/10 + 4/8?

What is 78/10 + 4/8?

This is how you add

78
10
+
4
8

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 78 by 8, and get 624, then we multiply 10 by 8 and get 80.

78/10 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 10, and get 40, then multiply 10 by 8 and get 80.

4/8 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

624
80
+
40
80

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

624 + 40 = 664

Now we have an answer.

664
80

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:

664
80
÷ 2 =
332
40

Now, try the same number again.

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

332
40
÷ 2 =
166
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

166
20
÷ 2 =
83
10

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...

No good. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 78/10 + 4/8

78
10
+
4
8
=
83
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler