math help

What is 64/16 + 1/7?

What is 64/16 + 1/7?

Here's how we add

64
16
+
1
7

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 64 by 7, and get 448, then we multiply 16 by 7 and get 112.

64/16 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 16, and get 16, then multiply 16 by 7 and get 112.

1/7 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

448
112
+
16
112

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

448 + 16 = 464

So the answer is:

464
112

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:

464
112
÷ 2 =
232
56

Now, try the same number again.

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

232
56
÷ 2 =
116
28

Now, try the same number again.

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

116
28
÷ 2 =
58
14

Now, try the same number again.

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

58
14
÷ 2 =
29
7

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...

No good. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 1/7

64
16
+
1
7
=
29
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler