math help

What is 24/5 + 3/9?

What is 24/5 + 3/9?

This is how to add

24
5
+
3
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 24 by 9, and get 216, then we multiply 5 by 9 and get 45.

24/5 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 5, and get 15, then multiply 5 by 9 and get 45.

3/9 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

216
45
+
15
45

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

216 + 15 = 231

That gives us an answer of

231
45

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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:

231
45
÷ 3 =
77
15

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. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 3/9

24
5
+
3
9
=
77
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler