math help

What is 36/4 + 2/10?

What is 36/4 + 2/10?

This is how we add

36
4
+
2
10

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 36 by 10, and get 360, then we multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

36/4 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 4, and get 8, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

2/10 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

360
40
+
8
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 8 = 368

Now we have an answer.

368
40

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:

368
40
÷ 2 =
184
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

184
20
÷ 2 =
92
10

Now, try the same number again.

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

92
10
÷ 2 =
46
5

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...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 36/4 + 2/10

36
4
+
2
10
=
46
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler