math help

What is 100/24 + 1/7?

What is 100/24 + 1/7?

This is how to add

100
24
+
1
7

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 100 by 7, and get 700, then we multiply 24 by 7 and get 168.

100/24 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 24, and get 24, then multiply 24 by 7 and get 168.

1/7 times 24

So now our fractions look like this:

700
168
+
24
168

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

700 + 24 = 724

Now we have an answer.

724
168

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:

724
168
÷ 2 =
362
84

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

362
84
÷ 2 =
181
42

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

No good. 43 is larger than 42. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 100/24 + 1/7

100
24
+
1
7
=
181
42
© 2014 Randy Tayler