math help

What is 4/40 + 2/6?

What is 4/40 + 2/6?

This is how we add

4
40
+
2
6

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 4 by 6, and get 24, then we multiply 40 by 6 and get 240.

4/40 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 40, and get 80, then multiply 40 by 6 and get 240.

2/6 times 40

So now our fractions look like this:

24
240
+
80
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 80 = 104

Now we have an answer.

104
240

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...

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

104
240
÷ 2 =
52
120

Now, try the same number again.

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

52
120
÷ 2 =
26
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

26
60
÷ 2 =
13
30

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 17 is larger than 13. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/40 + 2/6

4
40
+
2
6
=
13
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler