What is 21/63 + 1/8?

This is how you add

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 21 by 8, and get 168, then we multiply 63 by 8 and get 504.

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 63, and get 63, then multiply 63 by 8 and get 504.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

168 + 63 = 231

So what's the answer so far?

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 21/63 + 1/8