math help

What is 57/7 + 1/3?

What is 57/7 + 1/3?

Here's how you add

57
7
+
1
3

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 57 by 3, and get 171, then we multiply 7 by 3 and get 21.

57/7 times 3

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 7, and get 7, then multiply 7 by 3 and get 21.

1/3 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

171
21
+
7
21

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

171 + 7 = 178

Now we have an answer.

178
21

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...

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. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 57/7 + 1/3

57
7
+
1
3
=
178
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler