math help

What is 2/3 + 2/6?

What is 2/3 + 2/6?

This is how to add

2
3
+
2
6

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

6 goes into 3 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 2, and get 4, then we multiply 3 by 2 and get 6.

2/3 times 2

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

4
6
+
2
6

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

4 + 2 = 6

So what's the answer so far?

6
6

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:

6
6
÷ 2 =
3
3

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

3
3
÷ 3 =
1
1

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 2/3 + 2/6

2
3
+
2
6
=
1
1
= 1
© 2014 Randy Tayler