math help

What is 88/15 + 6/8?

What is 88/15 + 6/8?

Here's how you add

88
15
+
6
8

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 8, and get 704, then we multiply 15 by 8 and get 120.

88/15 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 15, and get 90, then multiply 15 by 8 and get 120.

6/8 times 15

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

704
120
+
90
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

704 + 90 = 794

So what's the answer so far?

794
120

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:

794
120
÷ 2 =
397
60

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

No good. 61 is larger than 60. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 6/8

88
15
+
6
8
=
397
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler