math help

What is 34/3 + 6/9?

What is 34/3 + 6/9?

This is how we add

34
3
+
6
9

Step 1

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

Since 3 is evenly divided by 9, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 34 by 3, and get 102, then we multiply 3 by 3 and get 9.

34/3 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

102
9
+
6
9

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

102 + 6 = 108

Now we have an answer.

108
9

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...

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

108
9
÷ 3 =
36
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

36
3
÷ 3 =
12
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 34/3 + 6/9

34
3
+
6
9
=
12
1
= 12
© 2014 Randy Tayler