math help

What is 100/24 + 3/9?

What is 100/24 + 3/9?

This is how we add

100
24
+
3
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 100 by 9, and get 900, then we multiply 24 by 9 and get 216.

100/24 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 24, and get 72, then multiply 24 by 9 and get 216.

3/9 times 24

So now our fractions look like this:

900
216
+
72
216

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

900 + 72 = 972

So the answer is:

972
216

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:

972
216
÷ 2 =
486
108

Now, try the same number again.

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

486
108
÷ 2 =
243
54

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

243
54
÷ 3 =
81
18

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

81
18
÷ 3 =
27
6

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

27
6
÷ 3 =
9
2

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/24 + 3/9

100
24
+
3
9
=
9
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler