math help

What is 20/17 + 2/6?

What is 20/17 + 2/6?

This is how we add

20
17
+
2
6

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 6, and get 120, then we multiply 17 by 6 and get 102.

20/17 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 17, and get 34, then multiply 17 by 6 and get 102.

2/6 times 17

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

120
102
+
34
102

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 34 = 154

So what's the answer so far?

154
102

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:

154
102
÷ 2 =
77
51

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

No good. 53 is larger than 51. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 20/17 + 2/6

20
17
+
2
6
=
77
51
© 2014 Randy Tayler