math help

What is 57/7 + 3/6?

What is 57/7 + 3/6?

This is how we add

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

57/7 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 7, and get 21, then multiply 7 by 6 and get 42.

3/6 times 7

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

342
42
+
21
42

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

342 + 21 = 363

That gives us an answer of

363
42

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

363
42
÷ 3 =
121
14

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 14. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 57/7 + 3/6

57
7
+
3
6
=
121
14
© 2014 Randy Tayler