Question

2/5+3/8 5th grade Math. Please help.​

Answer 1

Ah yes, adding fractions! Adding fractions can be a bit of a pain.

So, we have
`(2)/(5) + (3)/(8)`.

To add fractions, the bottoms, or denominators, must be the same number. So we must multiply the fractions by certain numbers to make the denominators the same number. So let's go easy and make the denominator 40, because 8 goes into 40 and so does 5. So, to make 8 become 40, we'll multiply the whole fraction by 5. For 5, we'll multiply by 8.

`5 * (3)/(8) = (15)/(40)`

`8 * (2)/(5) = (16)/(40)`

Now we'll add the two fractions. When we add fractions we only add the tops, the numerators.

`(15)/(40)+(16)/(40) = (31)/(40)`

Then we must reduce (or try to reduce). This fraction cannot be reduced, so the answer is simply
`(31)/(40)`.

I hope this helps you understand.

-Toremi

Answer 2

31/40

Explanation:

Given expression:

`(2)/(5) + (3)/(8)`

Note: Both fractions must have same denominators if we want to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.

The only way to simplify this expression is to have a common denominator, which can be determined by the LCM of 5 and 8.

• ⇒ Multiples of 5: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45...
• ⇒ Multiples of 8: 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72...

Multiply the denominators with such a number that is equivalent to 40.

Note: The number you are multiplying should also be multiplied to the numerator.

`\rightarrow (2 * 8)/(5 * 8) + (3 * 5)/(8 * 5)`

`\rightarrow (16)/(40) + (15)/(40)`

Finally, simplify the expression to determine the solution.

`\rightarrow (31)/(40)`

Since 31 is a prime number, we can't simplify this fraction. Thus, the final answer is 31/40.