math help

What is 34/3 + 1/2?

What is 34/3 + 1/2?

Here's how you add

34
3
+
1
2

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 34 by 2, and get 68, then we multiply 3 by 2 and get 6.

34/3 times 2

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 3, and get 3, then multiply 3 by 2 and get 6.

1/2 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

68
6
+
3
6

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

68 + 3 = 71

So the answer is:

71
6

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...

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 34/3 + 1/2

34
3
+
1
2
=
71
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler