math help

What is 64/4 + 3/5?

What is 64/4 + 3/5?

This is how to add

64
4
+
3
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 4 by 5 and get 20.

64/4 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 4, and get 12, then multiply 4 by 5 and get 20.

3/5 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

320
20
+
12
20

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

320 + 12 = 332

Now we have an answer.

332
20

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:

332
20
÷ 2 =
166
10

Now, try the same number again.

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

166
10
÷ 2 =
83
5

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...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/4 + 3/5

64
4
+
3
5
=
83
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler