math help

What is 63/58 + 1/2?

What is 63/58 + 1/2?

Here's how you add

63
58
+
1
2

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 58, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 29, and get 29, then we multiply 2 by 29 and get 58.

1/2 times 29

So now our fractions look like this:

63
58
+
29
58

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

63 + 29 = 92

Now we have an answer.

92
58

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:

92
58
÷ 2 =
46
29

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

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

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 29. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 63/58 + 1/2

63
58
+
1
2
=
46
29
© 2014 Randy Tayler