math help

What is 24/26 + 5/9?

What is 24/26 + 5/9?

Let's add

24
26
+
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 24 by 9, and get 216, then we multiply 26 by 9 and get 234.

24/26 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 26, and get 130, then multiply 26 by 9 and get 234.

5/9 times 26

So now our fractions look like this:

216
234
+
130
234

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

216 + 130 = 346

So the answer is:

346
234

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:

346
234
÷ 2 =
173
117

Now, try the same number again.

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 97...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 101...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 103...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 107...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 109...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 113...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 127...

No good. 127 is larger than 117. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/26 + 5/9

24
26
+
5
9
=
173
117
© 2014 Randy Tayler