math help

What is 36/4 + 8/9?

What is 36/4 + 8/9?

Let's add

36
4
+
8
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 36 by 9, and get 324, then we multiply 4 by 9 and get 36.

36/4 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 4, and get 32, then multiply 4 by 9 and get 36.

8/9 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

324
36
+
32
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

324 + 32 = 356

That gives us an answer of

356
36

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:

356
36
÷ 2 =
178
18

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

178
18
÷ 2 =
89
9

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 9. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 8/9

36
4
+
8
9
=
89
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler