math help

What is 99/7 + 2/4?

What is 99/7 + 2/4?

Here's how to add

99
7
+
2
4

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 99 by 4, and get 396, then we multiply 7 by 4 and get 28.

99/7 times 4

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 7, and get 14, then multiply 7 by 4 and get 28.

2/4 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

396
28
+
14
28

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

396 + 14 = 410

So the answer is:

410
28

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

410
28
÷ 2 =
205
14

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...

No good. 17 is larger than 14. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 99/7 + 2/4

99
7
+
2
4
=
205
14
© 2014 Randy Tayler