math help

What is 40/41 + 1/3?

What is 40/41 + 1/3?

Let's add

40
41
+
1
3

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 40 by 3, and get 120, then we multiply 41 by 3 and get 123.

40/41 times 3

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 41, and get 41, then multiply 41 by 3 and get 123.

1/3 times 41

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

120
123
+
41
123

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 41 = 161

So what's the answer so far?

161
123

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 97...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 101...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 103...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 107...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 109...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 113...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 127...

No good. 127 is larger than 123. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 40/41 + 1/3

40
41
+
1
3
=
161
123
© 2014 Randy Tayler