math help

What is 36/4 + 6/10?

What is 36/4 + 6/10?

Here's how to add

36
4
+
6
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 6 by 4, and get 24, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

6/10 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

360
40
+
24
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 24 = 384

So the answer is:

384
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:

384
40
÷ 2 =
192
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:

192
20
÷ 2 =
96
10

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:

96
10
÷ 2 =
48
5

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. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 6/10

36
4
+
6
10
=
48
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler