math help

What is 45/4 + 1/6?

What is 45/4 + 1/6?

Here's how to add

45
4
+
1
6

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 45 by 6, and get 270, then we multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

45/4 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

1/6 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

270
24
+
4
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

270 + 4 = 274

So the answer is:

274
24

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:

274
24
÷ 2 =
137
12

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 45/4 + 1/6

45
4
+
1
6
=
137
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler