math help

What is 2/4 + 1/6?

What is 2/4 + 1/6?

This is how to add

2
4
+
1
6

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 2 by 6, and get 12, then we multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

2/4 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

1/6 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

12
24
+
4
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

12 + 4 = 16

So what's the answer so far?

16
24

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:

16
24
÷ 2 =
8
12

Now, try the same number again.

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

8
12
÷ 2 =
4
6

Now, try the same number again.

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

4
6
÷ 2 =
2
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 2/4 + 1/6

2
4
+
1
6
=
2
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler