math help

What is 10/6 + 5/7?

What is 10/6 + 5/7?

Here's how to add

10
6
+
5
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 10 by 7, and get 70, then we multiply 6 by 7 and get 42.

10/6 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 6, and get 30, then multiply 6 by 7 and get 42.

5/7 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

70
42
+
30
42

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

70 + 30 = 100

Now we have an answer.

100
42

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:

100
42
÷ 2 =
50
21

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 10/6 + 5/7

10
6
+
5
7
=
50
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler