math help

What is 5/100 + 1/3?

What is 5/100 + 1/3?

Here's how we add

5
100
+
1
3

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 5 by 3, and get 15, then we multiply 100 by 3 and get 300.

5/100 times 3

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 100, and get 100, then multiply 100 by 3 and get 300.

1/3 times 100

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

15
300
+
100
300

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

15 + 100 = 115

So what's the answer so far?

115
300

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

115
300
÷ 5 =
23
60

Now, try the same number again.

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 5/100 + 1/3

5
100
+
1
3
=
23
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler