math help

What is 49/9 - 2/10?

What is 49/9 - 2/10?

Here's how to subtract 2/10 from 49/9:

49
9
2
10

Step 1

We can't subtract two fractions with different denominators. So you need to get a common denominator. 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 49 by 10, and get 490.

Then we multiply 2 by 9, and get 18.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 9 × 10 = 90.

So now our fractions look like this:

490
90
18
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

490 − 18 = 472

So the answer is:

472
90

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:

472
90
÷ 2 =
236
45

Let's try dividing by 2 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...

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

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

There you have it! The final answer is:
49
9
2
10
=
236
45