math help

What is 5/100 + 2/6?

What is 5/100 + 2/6?

Let's add

5
100
+
2
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 5 by 6, and get 30, then we multiply 100 by 6 and get 600.

5/100 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 100, and get 200, then multiply 100 by 6 and get 600.

2/6 times 100

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

30
600
+
200
600

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

30 + 200 = 230

That gives us an answer of

230
600

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

230
600
÷ 2 =
115
300

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

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

115
300
÷ 5 =
23
60

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/100 + 2/6

5
100
+
2
6
=
23
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler