math help

What is 5/9 + 4/7?

What is 5/9 + 4/7?

Here's how we add

5
9
+
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 5 by 7, and get 35, then we multiply 9 by 7 and get 63.

5/9 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 9, and get 36, then multiply 9 by 7 and get 63.

4/7 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

35
63
+
36
63

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

35 + 36 = 71

That gives us an answer of

71
63

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 5/9 + 4/7

5
9
+
4
7
=
71
63
© 2014 Randy Tayler