math help

What is 26/26 + 57/7?

What is 26/26 + 57/7?

Here's how we add

26
26
+
57
7

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 26 by 7, and get 182, then we multiply 26 by 7 and get 182.

26/26 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 57 by 26, and get 1482, then multiply 26 by 7 and get 182.

57/7 times 26

So now our fractions look like this:

182
182
+
1482
182

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

182 + 1482 = 1664

Now we have an answer.

1664
182

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:

1664
182
÷ 2 =
832
91

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 13? Yes! So we reduce it:

832
91
÷ 13 =
64
7

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. 13 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 26/26 + 57/7

26
26
+
57
7
=
64
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler