math help

What is 57/7 + 2/6?

What is 57/7 + 2/6?

This is how you add

57
7
+
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 57 by 6, and get 342, then we multiply 7 by 6 and get 42.

57/7 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 7, and get 14, then multiply 7 by 6 and get 42.

2/6 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

342
42
+
14
42

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

342 + 14 = 356

So the answer is:

356
42

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:

356
42
÷ 2 =
178
21

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 57/7 + 2/6

57
7
+
2
6
=
178
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler