math help

What is 1/20 + 1/10?

What is 1/20 + 1/10?

Here's how we add

1
20
+
1
10

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 10 is evenly divided by 20, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 2, and get 2, then we multiply 10 by 2 and get 20.

1/10 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

1
20
+
2
20

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1 + 2 = 3

So the answer is:

3
20

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...

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 3. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 1/20 + 1/10

1
20
+
1
10
=
3
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler