math help

What is 100/24 + 4/9?

What is 100/24 + 4/9?

Here's how we add

100
24
+
4
9

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

100/24 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 24, and get 96, then multiply 24 by 9 and get 216.

4/9 times 24

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

900
216
+
96
216

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

900 + 96 = 996

That gives us an answer of

996
216

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

996
216
÷ 2 =
498
108

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

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

498
108
÷ 2 =
249
54

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...

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

249
54
÷ 3 =
83
18

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 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. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 100/24 + 4/9

100
24
+
4
9
=
83
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler