math help

What is 7/14 + 6/9?

What is 7/14 + 6/9?

Let's add

7
14
+
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 14 by 9 and get 126.

7/14 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 14, and get 84, then multiply 14 by 9 and get 126.

6/9 times 14

So now our fractions look like this:

63
126
+
84
126

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

63 + 84 = 147

Now we have an answer.

147
126

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...

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

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

147
126
÷ 3 =
49
42

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 7? Yes! So we reduce it:

49
42
÷ 7 =
7
6

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 7/14 + 6/9

7
14
+
6
9
=
7
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler