math help

What is 21/63 + 3/6?

What is 21/63 + 3/6?

This is how you add

21
63
+
3
6

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 6, and get 126, then we multiply 63 by 6 and get 378.

21/63 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 63, and get 189, then multiply 63 by 6 and get 378.

3/6 times 63

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

126
378
+
189
378

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

126 + 189 = 315

So what's the answer so far?

315
378

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:

315
378
÷ 3 =
105
126

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

105
126
÷ 3 =
35
42

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:

35
42
÷ 7 =
5
6

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 21/63 + 3/6

21
63
+
3
6
=
5
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler