math help

What is 4/52 + 3/6?

What is 4/52 + 3/6?

This is how you add

4
52
+
3
6

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 6, and get 24, then we multiply 52 by 6 and get 312.

4/52 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 52, and get 156, then multiply 52 by 6 and get 312.

3/6 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

24
312
+
156
312

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 156 = 180

That gives us an answer of

180
312

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:

180
312
÷ 2 =
90
156

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:

90
156
÷ 2 =
45
78

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

45
78
÷ 3 =
15
26

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 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. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 4/52 + 3/6

4
52
+
3
6
=
15
26
© 2014 Randy Tayler