math help

What is 45/4 + 2/9?

What is 45/4 + 2/9?

Here's how we add

45
4
+
2
9

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 9, and get 405, then we multiply 4 by 9 and get 36.

45/4 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 4, and get 8, then multiply 4 by 9 and get 36.

2/9 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

405
36
+
8
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

405 + 8 = 413

Now we have an answer.

413
36

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! 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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 45/4 + 2/9

45
4
+
2
9
=
413
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler