math help

What is 45/4 + 6/9?

What is 45/4 + 6/9?

Let's add

45
4
+
6
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 6 by 4, and get 24, then multiply 4 by 9 and get 36.

6/9 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

405
36
+
24
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

405 + 24 = 429

So the answer is:

429
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. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

429
36
÷ 3 =
143
12

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 45/4 + 6/9

45
4
+
6
9
=
143
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler