math help

What is 88/15 + 2/4?

What is 88/15 + 2/4?

Here's how we add

88
15
+
2
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 88 by 4, and get 352, then we multiply 15 by 4 and get 60.

88/15 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 15, and get 30, then multiply 15 by 4 and get 60.

2/4 times 15

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

352
60
+
30
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

352 + 30 = 382

So what's the answer so far?

382
60

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:

382
60
÷ 2 =
191
30

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...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 88/15 + 2/4

88
15
+
2
4
=
191
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler