math help

What is 36/4 + 7/10?

What is 36/4 + 7/10?

Let's add

36
4
+
7
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 7 by 4, and get 28, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

7/10 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

360
40
+
28
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 28 = 388

That gives us an answer of

388
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:

388
40
÷ 2 =
194
20

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

194
20
÷ 2 =
97
10

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 7/10

36
4
+
7
10
=
97
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler