math help

What is 88/15 + 3/6?

What is 88/15 + 3/6?

Here's how to add

88
15
+
3
6

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 6, and get 528, then we multiply 15 by 6 and get 90.

88/15 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 15, and get 45, then multiply 15 by 6 and get 90.

3/6 times 15

So now our fractions look like this:

528
90
+
45
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

528 + 45 = 573

So the answer is:

573
90

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

573
90
÷ 3 =
191
30

Now, try the same number again.

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 + 3/6

88
15
+
3
6
=
191
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler