math help

What is 7/16 + 4/10?

What is 7/16 + 4/10?

This is how you add

7
16
+
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 7 by 10, and get 70, then we multiply 16 by 10 and get 160.

7/16 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 16, and get 64, then multiply 16 by 10 and get 160.

4/10 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

70
160
+
64
160

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

70 + 64 = 134

So what's the answer so far?

134
160

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:

134
160
÷ 2 =
67
80

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

No good. 71 is larger than 67. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 7/16 + 4/10

7
16
+
4
10
=
67
80
© 2014 Randy Tayler