math help

What is 20/64 + 2/10?

What is 20/64 + 2/10?

Here's how you add

20
64
+
2
10

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 10, and get 200, then we multiply 64 by 10 and get 640.

20/64 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 64, and get 128, then multiply 64 by 10 and get 640.

2/10 times 64

So now our fractions look like this:

200
640
+
128
640

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

200 + 128 = 328

So the answer is:

328
640

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:

328
640
÷ 2 =
164
320

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

164
320
÷ 2 =
82
160

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

82
160
÷ 2 =
41
80

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...

No good. 43 is larger than 41. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 20/64 + 2/10

20
64
+
2
10
=
41
80
© 2014 Randy Tayler