math help

What is 64/16 + 3/9?

What is 64/16 + 3/9?

Let's add

64
16
+
3
9

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 9, and get 576, then we multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

64/16 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 16, and get 48, then multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

3/9 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

576
144
+
48
144

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 48 = 624

Now we have an answer.

624
144

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:

624
144
÷ 2 =
312
72

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

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

312
72
÷ 2 =
156
36

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

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

156
36
÷ 2 =
78
18

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

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

78
18
÷ 2 =
39
9

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

39
9
÷ 3 =
13
3

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 5...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 64/16 + 3/9

64
16
+
3
9
=
13
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler