math help

What is 45/3 + 7/9?

What is 45/3 + 7/9?

Let's add

45
3
+
7
9

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 3 is evenly divided by 9, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 45 by 3, and get 135, then we multiply 3 by 3 and get 9.

45/3 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

135
9
+
7
9

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

135 + 7 = 142

So the answer is:

142
9

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 45/3 + 7/9

45
3
+
7
9
=
142
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler