math help

What is 7/10 + 6/9?

What is 7/10 + 6/9?

Here's how we add

7
10
+
6
9

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 7 by 9, and get 63, then we multiply 10 by 9 and get 90.

7/10 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 10, and get 60, then multiply 10 by 9 and get 90.

6/9 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

63
90
+
60
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

63 + 60 = 123

So the answer is:

123
90

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...

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:

123
90
÷ 3 =
41
30

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. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 7/10 + 6/9

7
10
+
6
9
=
41
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler