math help

What is 99/7 + 5/9?

What is 99/7 + 5/9?

Let's add

99
7
+
5
9

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 9, and get 891, then we multiply 7 by 9 and get 63.

99/7 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 7, and get 35, then multiply 7 by 9 and get 63.

5/9 times 7

So now our fractions look like this:

891
63
+
35
63

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

891 + 35 = 926

So the answer is:

926
63

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

No good. 67 is larger than 63. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 99/7 + 5/9

99
7
+
5
9
=
926
63
© 2014 Randy Tayler