math help

What is 95/29 + 4/8?

What is 95/29 + 4/8?

This is how we add

95
29
+
4
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 95 by 8, and get 760, then we multiply 29 by 8 and get 232.

95/29 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 29, and get 116, then multiply 29 by 8 and get 232.

4/8 times 29

So now our fractions look like this:

760
232
+
116
232

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

760 + 116 = 876

So the answer is:

876
232

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:

876
232
÷ 2 =
438
116

Now, try the same number again.

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

438
116
÷ 2 =
219
58

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

No good. 59 is larger than 58. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 95/29 + 4/8

95
29
+
4
8
=
219
58
© 2014 Randy Tayler