math help

What is 64/17 + 5/10?

What is 64/17 + 5/10?

Here's how you add

64
17
+
5
10

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 10, and get 640, then we multiply 17 by 10 and get 170.

64/17 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 17, and get 85, then multiply 17 by 10 and get 170.

5/10 times 17

So now our fractions look like this:

640
170
+
85
170

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

640 + 85 = 725

So the answer is:

725
170

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

725
170
÷ 5 =
145
34

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 34. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 64/17 + 5/10

64
17
+
5
10
=
145
34
© 2014 Randy Tayler