math help

What is 64/4 + 6/10?

What is 64/4 + 6/10?

Here's how to add

64
4
+
6
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 4 by 10 and get 40.

64/4 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 4, and get 24, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

6/10 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

640
40
+
24
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

640 + 24 = 664

Now we have an answer.

664
40

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:

664
40
÷ 2 =
332
20

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

332
20
÷ 2 =
166
10

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

166
10
÷ 2 =
83
5

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

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

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 64/4 + 6/10

64
4
+
6
10
=
83
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler