math help

What is 64/17 + 2/5?

What is 64/17 + 2/5?

Here's how we add

64
17
+
2
5

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 5, and get 320, then we multiply 17 by 5 and get 85.

64/17 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 17, and get 34, then multiply 17 by 5 and get 85.

2/5 times 17

So now our fractions look like this:

320
85
+
34
85

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

320 + 34 = 354

So the answer is:

354
85

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...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

No good. 89 is larger than 85. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/17 + 2/5

64
17
+
2
5
=
354
85
© 2014 Randy Tayler