math help

What is 96/2 + 8/10?

What is 96/2 + 8/10?

Here's how we add

96
2
+
8
10

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 10, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 96 by 5, and get 480, then we multiply 2 by 5 and get 10.

96/2 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

480
10
+
8
10

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

480 + 8 = 488

Now we have an answer.

488
10

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:

488
10
÷ 2 =
244
5

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 96/2 + 8/10

96
2
+
8
10
=
244
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler