math help

What is 88/15 + 3/10?

What is 88/15 + 3/10?

Here's how we add

88
15
+
3
10

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 88 by 10, and get 880, then we multiply 15 by 10 and get 150.

88/15 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 15, and get 45, then multiply 15 by 10 and get 150.

3/10 times 15

So now our fractions look like this:

880
150
+
45
150

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

880 + 45 = 925

Now we have an answer.

925
150

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...

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

925
150
÷ 5 =
185
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

185
30
÷ 5 =
37
6

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 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 3/10

88
15
+
3
10
=
37
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler