math help

What is 20/17 + 2/10?

What is 20/17 + 2/10?

Here's how to add

20
17
+
2
10

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 20 by 10, and get 200, then we multiply 17 by 10 and get 170.

20/17 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 17, and get 34, then multiply 17 by 10 and get 170.

2/10 times 17

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

200
170
+
34
170

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

200 + 34 = 234

That gives us an answer of

234
170

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:

234
170
÷ 2 =
117
85

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

No good. 89 is larger than 85. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/17 + 2/10

20
17
+
2
10
=
117
85
© 2014 Randy Tayler