math help

What is 96/2 + 4/7?

What is 96/2 + 4/7?

Here's how we add

96
2
+
4
7

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 96 by 7, and get 672, then we multiply 2 by 7 and get 14.

96/2 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 2, and get 8, then multiply 2 by 7 and get 14.

4/7 times 2

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

672
14
+
8
14

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

672 + 8 = 680

So what's the answer so far?

680
14

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:

680
14
÷ 2 =
340
7

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...

No good. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 96/2 + 4/7

96
2
+
4
7
=
340
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler