math help

What is 21/63 + 2/10?

What is 21/63 + 2/10?

Here's how you add

21
63
+
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 21 by 10, and get 210, then we multiply 63 by 10 and get 630.

21/63 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 63, and get 126, then multiply 63 by 10 and get 630.

2/10 times 63

So now our fractions look like this:

210
630
+
126
630

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

210 + 126 = 336

So the answer is:

336
630

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:

336
630
÷ 2 =
168
315

Let's try dividing by that again...

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:

168
315
÷ 3 =
56
105

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:

56
105
÷ 7 =
8
15

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

No good. 11 is larger than 8. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 21/63 + 2/10

21
63
+
2
10
=
8
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler