math help

What is 45/4 + 5/6?

What is 45/4 + 5/6?

Here's how we add

45
4
+
5
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 5 by 4, and get 20, then multiply 4 by 6 and get 24.

5/6 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

270
24
+
20
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

270 + 20 = 290

Now we have an answer.

290
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:

290
24
÷ 2 =
145
12

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...

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

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 45/4 + 5/6

45
4
+
5
6
=
145
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler