math help

What is 64/17 + 3/9?

What is 64/17 + 3/9?

This is how you add

64
17
+
3
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 17 by 9 and get 153.

64/17 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 17, and get 51, then multiply 17 by 9 and get 153.

3/9 times 17

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

576
153
+
51
153

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 51 = 627

So what's the answer so far?

627
153

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

627
153
÷ 3 =
209
51

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

No good. 53 is larger than 51. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 64/17 + 3/9

64
17
+
3
9
=
209
51
© 2014 Randy Tayler