math help

What is 36/4 + 3/10?

What is 36/4 + 3/10?

Here's how we add

36
4
+
3
10

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

36/4 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 4, and get 12, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

3/10 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

360
40
+
12
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 12 = 372

So what's the answer so far?

372
40

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:

372
40
÷ 2 =
186
20

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:

186
20
÷ 2 =
93
10

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...

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. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 3/10

36
4
+
3
10
=
93
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler