math help

What is 48/30 + 1/9?

What is 48/30 + 1/9?

Here's how we add

48
30
+
1
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 48 by 9, and get 432, then we multiply 30 by 9 and get 270.

48/30 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 30, and get 30, then multiply 30 by 9 and get 270.

1/9 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

432
270
+
30
270

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

432 + 30 = 462

So the answer is:

462
270

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:

462
270
÷ 2 =
231
135

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

231
135
÷ 3 =
77
45

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 45. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 48/30 + 1/9

48
30
+
1
9
=
77
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler