math help

What is 36/4 + 6/7?

What is 36/4 + 6/7?

Here's how we add

36
4
+
6
7

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 36 by 7, and get 252, then we multiply 4 by 7 and get 28.

36/4 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 4, and get 24, then multiply 4 by 7 and get 28.

6/7 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

252
28
+
24
28

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

252 + 24 = 276

So what's the answer so far?

276
28

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:

276
28
÷ 2 =
138
14

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

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

138
14
÷ 2 =
69
7

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. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 6/7

36
4
+
6
7
=
69
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler