math help

What is 5/100 + 1/6?

What is 5/100 + 1/6?

Here's how to add

5
100
+
1
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 5 by 6, and get 30, then we multiply 100 by 6 and get 600.

5/100 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 100, and get 100, then multiply 100 by 6 and get 600.

1/6 times 100

So now our fractions look like this:

30
600
+
100
600

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 100 = 130

So the answer is:

130
600

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:

130
600
÷ 2 =
65
300

Now, try the same number again.

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:

65
300
÷ 5 =
13
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...

No good. 17 is larger than 13. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 5/100 + 1/6

5
100
+
1
6
=
13
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler