math help

What is 3/18 + 6/10?

What is 3/18 + 6/10?

This is how you add

3
18
+
6
10

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 3 by 10, and get 30, then we multiply 18 by 10 and get 180.

3/18 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 18, and get 108, then multiply 18 by 10 and get 180.

6/10 times 18

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

30
180
+
108
180

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 108 = 138

So what's the answer so far?

138
180

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:

138
180
÷ 2 =
69
90

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:

69
90
÷ 3 =
23
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/18 + 6/10

3
18
+
6
10
=
23
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler