math help

What is 20/64 + 1/3?

What is 20/64 + 1/3?

Here's how we add

20
64
+
1
3

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 20 by 3, and get 60, then we multiply 64 by 3 and get 192.

20/64 times 3

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 64, and get 64, then multiply 64 by 3 and get 192.

1/3 times 64

So now our fractions look like this:

60
192
+
64
192

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 64 = 124

So the answer is:

124
192

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:

124
192
÷ 2 =
62
96

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

62
96
÷ 2 =
31
48

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 31. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/64 + 1/3

20
64
+
1
3
=
31
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler