math help

What is 21/63 + 4/5?

What is 21/63 + 4/5?

This is how you add

21
63
+
4
5

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 5, and get 105, then we multiply 63 by 5 and get 315.

21/63 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 63, and get 252, then multiply 63 by 5 and get 315.

4/5 times 63

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

105
315
+
252
315

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

105 + 252 = 357

So what's the answer so far?

357
315

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:

357
315
÷ 3 =
119
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:

119
105
÷ 7 =
17
15

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 21/63 + 4/5

21
63
+
4
5
=
17
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler