math help

What is 100/72 + 3/6?

What is 100/72 + 3/6?

This is how to add

100
72
+
3
6

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

72 goes into 6 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 6 by 12 and get 72.

3/6 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

100
72
+
36
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 36 = 136

So what's the answer so far?

136
72

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:

136
72
÷ 2 =
68
36

Now, try the same number again.

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

68
36
÷ 2 =
34
18

Now, try the same number again.

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

34
18
÷ 2 =
17
9

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/72 + 3/6

100
72
+
3
6
=
17
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler