math help

What is 53/9 + 1/6?

What is 53/9 + 1/6?

This is how to add

53
9
+
1
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 53 by 6, and get 318, then we multiply 9 by 6 and get 54.

53/9 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 6 and get 54.

1/6 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

318
54
+
9
54

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

318 + 9 = 327

So what's the answer so far?

327
54

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

327
54
÷ 3 =
109
18

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 53/9 + 1/6

53
9
+
1
6
=
109
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler