Here's how to add
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Step 1We have to make sure the denominators are equal. Since 6 is evenly divided by 72, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator. Multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then we multiply 6 by 12 and get 72. The problem now has new fractions to add:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 100 + 48 = 148 The sum we get is
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Step 3The last step is to reduce the fraction if we can. 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:
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:
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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19... No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing. And we're done! Here's the final answer to 100/72 + 4/6
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