math help

What is 48/30 + 5/9?

What is 48/30 + 5/9?

Let's add

48
30
+
5
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 5 by 30, and get 150, then multiply 30 by 9 and get 270.

5/9 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

432
270
+
150
270

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

432 + 150 = 582

Now we have an answer.

582
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:

582
270
÷ 2 =
291
135

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

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

291
135
÷ 3 =
97
45

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 5/9

48
30
+
5
9
=
97
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler