math help

What is 64/16 + 8/9?

What is 64/16 + 8/9?

This is how to add

64
16
+
8
9

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 64 by 9, and get 576, then we multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

64/16 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 16, and get 128, then multiply 16 by 9 and get 144.

8/9 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

576
144
+
128
144

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 128 = 704

That gives us an answer of

704
144

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

704
144
÷ 2 =
352
72

Now, try the same number again.

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

352
72
÷ 2 =
176
36

Now, try the same number again.

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

176
36
÷ 2 =
88
18

Now, try the same number again.

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

88
18
÷ 2 =
44
9

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 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 8/9

64
16
+
8
9
=
44
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler