What is 20/17 + 1/2?
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Here's how you add
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Step 1We 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 20 by 2, and get 40, then we multiply 17 by 2 and get 34. Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 17, and get 17, then multiply 17 by 2 and get 34. So now our fractions look like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 40 + 17 = 57 So the answer is:
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Step 3Last 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... 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... Nope. Try the next prime number, 29... Nope. Try the next prime number, 31... Nope. Try the next prime number, 37... No good. 37 is larger than 34. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/17 + 1/2
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