math help

What is 57/7 + 3/5?

What is 57/7 + 3/5?

This is how you add

57
7
+
3
5

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 5, and get 285, then we multiply 7 by 5 and get 35.

57/7 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 7, and get 21, then multiply 7 by 5 and get 35.

3/5 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

285
35
+
21
35

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

285 + 21 = 306

So the answer is:

306
35

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...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 35. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 57/7 + 3/5

57
7
+
3
5
=
306
35
© 2014 Randy Tayler