math help

What is 48/30 + 6/9?

What is 48/30 + 6/9?

This is how you add

48
30
+
6
9

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

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

48/30 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 30, and get 180, then multiply 30 by 9 and get 270.

6/9 times 30

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

432
270
+
180
270

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

432 + 180 = 612

So what's the answer so far?

612
270

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

612
270
÷ 2 =
306
135

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

306
135
÷ 3 =
102
45

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

102
45
÷ 3 =
34
15

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 6/9

48
30
+
6
9
=
34
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler