math help

What is 88/15 + 5/9?

What is 88/15 + 5/9?

Here's how you add

88
15
+
5
9

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 9, and get 792, then we multiply 15 by 9 and get 135.

88/15 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 15, and get 75, then multiply 15 by 9 and get 135.

5/9 times 15

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

792
135
+
75
135

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

792 + 75 = 867

So what's the answer so far?

867
135

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

867
135
÷ 3 =
289
45

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 45. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 5/9

88
15
+
5
9
=
289
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler