math help

What is 99/7 + 4/6?

What is 99/7 + 4/6?

Here's how we add

99
7
+
4
6

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 6, and get 594, then we multiply 7 by 6 and get 42.

99/7 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 7, and get 28, then multiply 7 by 6 and get 42.

4/6 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

594
42
+
28
42

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

594 + 28 = 622

Now we have an answer.

622
42

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:

622
42
÷ 2 =
311
21

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 99/7 + 4/6

99
7
+
4
6
=
311
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler