math help

What is 45/4 + 5/10?

What is 45/4 + 5/10?

Let's add

45
4
+
5
10

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 10, and get 450, then we multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

45/4 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 4, and get 20, then multiply 4 by 10 and get 40.

5/10 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

450
40
+
20
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

450 + 20 = 470

So the answer is:

470
40

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:

470
40
÷ 2 =
235
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

235
20
÷ 5 =
47
4

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 45/4 + 5/10

45
4
+
5
10
=
47
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler