math help

What is 91/6 + 3/8?

What is 91/6 + 3/8?

This is how we add

91
6
+
3
8

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 91 by 8, and get 728, then we multiply 6 by 8 and get 48.

91/6 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 6, and get 18, then multiply 6 by 8 and get 48.

3/8 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

728
48
+
18
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

728 + 18 = 746

Now we have an answer.

746
48

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

746
48
÷ 2 =
373
24

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...

No good. 29 is larger than 24. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 91/6 + 3/8

91
6
+
3
8
=
373
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler