math help

What is 72/63 + 4/6?

What is 72/63 + 4/6?

Here's how you add

72
63
+
4
6

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 6, and get 432, then we multiply 63 by 6 and get 378.

72/63 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 63, and get 252, then multiply 63 by 6 and get 378.

4/6 times 63

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

432
378
+
252
378

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

432 + 252 = 684

That gives us an answer of

684
378

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:

684
378
÷ 2 =
342
189

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

342
189
÷ 3 =
114
63

Now, try the same number again.

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

114
63
÷ 3 =
38
21

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 72/63 + 4/6

72
63
+
4
6
=
38
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler