math help

What is 4/40 + 2/7?

What is 4/40 + 2/7?

Here's how we add

4
40
+
2
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 4 by 7, and get 28, then we multiply 40 by 7 and get 280.

4/40 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 40, and get 80, then multiply 40 by 7 and get 280.

2/7 times 40

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

28
280
+
80
280

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

28 + 80 = 108

So what's the answer so far?

108
280

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:

108
280
÷ 2 =
54
140

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:

54
140
÷ 2 =
27
70

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 27. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 4/40 + 2/7

4
40
+
2
7
=
27
70
© 2014 Randy Tayler