math help

What is 20/64 + 1/6?

What is 20/64 + 1/6?

Here's how to add

20
64
+
1
6

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

So, we multiply 20 by 6, and get 120, then we multiply 64 by 6 and get 384.

20/64 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 64, and get 64, then multiply 64 by 6 and get 384.

1/6 times 64

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

120
384
+
64
384

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 64 = 184

Answer:

184
384

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

184
384
÷ 2 =
92
192

Now, try the same number again.

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

92
192
÷ 2 =
46
96

Now, try the same number again.

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

46
96
÷ 2 =
23
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...

No good. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/64 + 1/6

20
64
+
1
6
=
23
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler