math help

What is 64/16 + 2/6?

What is 64/16 + 2/6?

Here's how we add

64
16
+
2
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 64 by 6, and get 384, then we multiply 16 by 6 and get 96.

64/16 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 16, and get 32, then multiply 16 by 6 and get 96.

2/6 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

384
96
+
32
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 32 = 416

So the answer is:

416
96

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:

416
96
÷ 2 =
208
48

Now, try the same number again.

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

208
48
÷ 2 =
104
24

Now, try the same number again.

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

104
24
÷ 2 =
52
12

Now, try the same number again.

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

52
12
÷ 2 =
26
6

Now, try the same number again.

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

26
6
÷ 2 =
13
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 2/6

64
16
+
2
6
=
13
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler