math help

What is 64/4 + 1/7?

What is 64/4 + 1/7?

This is how to add

64
4
+
1
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 4 by 7 and get 28.

64/4 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then multiply 4 by 7 and get 28.

1/7 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

448
28
+
4
28

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

448 + 4 = 452

Now we have an answer.

452
28

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:

452
28
÷ 2 =
226
14

Now, try the same number again.

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

226
14
÷ 2 =
113
7

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 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/4 + 1/7

64
4
+
1
7
=
113
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler