math help

What is 64/16 + 5/7?

What is 64/16 + 5/7?

Let's add

64
16
+
5
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 5 by 16, and get 80, then multiply 16 by 7 and get 112.

5/7 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

448
112
+
80
112

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

448 + 80 = 528

Now we have an answer.

528
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:

528
112
÷ 2 =
264
56

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:

264
56
÷ 2 =
132
28

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:

132
28
÷ 2 =
66
14

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:

66
14
÷ 2 =
33
7

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...

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. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 64/16 + 5/7

64
16
+
5
7
=
33
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler