math help

What is 5/6 + 2/4?

What is 5/6 + 2/4?

This is how we add

5
6
+
2
4

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 5 by 4, and get 20, then we multiply 6 by 4 and get 24.

5/6 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 6, and get 12, then multiply 6 by 4 and get 24.

2/4 times 6

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

20
24
+
12
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

20 + 12 = 32

That gives us an answer of

32
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:

32
24
÷ 2 =
16
12

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

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

16
12
÷ 2 =
8
6

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

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

8
6
÷ 2 =
4
3

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. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/6 + 2/4

5
6
+
2
4
=
4
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler