math help

What is 64/4 + 2/6?

What is 64/4 + 2/6?

This is how to add

64
4
+
2
6

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 6, and get 384, then we multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

64/4 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 4, and get 8, then multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

2/6 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

384
24
+
8
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 8 = 392

Now we have an answer.

392
24

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:

392
24
÷ 2 =
196
12

Now, try the same number again.

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

196
12
÷ 2 =
98
6

Now, try the same number again.

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

98
6
÷ 2 =
49
3

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/4 + 2/6

64
4
+
2
6
=
49
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler