math help

What is 7/14 + 7/9?

What is 7/14 + 7/9?

This is how you add

7
14
+
7
9

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 7 by 9, and get 63, then we multiply 14 by 9 and get 126.

7/14 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 14, and get 98, then multiply 14 by 9 and get 126.

7/9 times 14

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

63
126
+
98
126

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

63 + 98 = 161

So what's the answer so far?

161
126

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

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

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

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

161
126
÷ 7 =
23
18

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 7/14 + 7/9

7
14
+
7
9
=
23
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler