math help

What is 24/26 + 1/6?

What is 24/26 + 1/6?

Let's add

24
26
+
1
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 24 by 6, and get 144, then we multiply 26 by 6 and get 156.

24/26 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 26, and get 26, then multiply 26 by 6 and get 156.

1/6 times 26

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

144
156
+
26
156

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 26 = 170

That gives us an answer of

170
156

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

170
156
÷ 2 =
85
78

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

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

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 71...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 73...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 79...

No good. 79 is larger than 78. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/26 + 1/6

24
26
+
1
6
=
85
78
© 2014 Randy Tayler