math help

What is 72/63 + 4/10?

What is 72/63 + 4/10?

This is how you add

72
63
+
4
10

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 72 by 10, and get 720, then we multiply 63 by 10 and get 630.

72/63 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 63, and get 252, then multiply 63 by 10 and get 630.

4/10 times 63

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

720
630
+
252
630

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

720 + 252 = 972

So what's the answer so far?

972
630

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

972
630
÷ 2 =
486
315

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

486
315
÷ 3 =
162
105

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

162
105
÷ 3 =
54
35

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 35. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 72/63 + 4/10

72
63
+
4
10
=
54
35
© 2014 Randy Tayler