math help

What is 21/63 + 1/3?

What is 21/63 + 1/3?

Here's how we add

21
63
+
1
3

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 3 is evenly divided by 63, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 21, and get 21, then we multiply 3 by 21 and get 63.

1/3 times 21

So now our fractions look like this:

21
63
+
21
63

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

21 + 21 = 42

So the answer is:

42
63

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

42
63
÷ 3 =
14
21

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 7? Yes! So we reduce it:

14
21
÷ 7 =
2
3

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 7 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 21/63 + 1/3

21
63
+
1
3
=
2
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler