math help

What is 49/9 - 2/4?

What is 49/9 - 2/4?

Here's how to subtract 2/4 from 49/9:

49
9
2
4

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 4, and get 196.

Then we multiply 2 by 9, and get 18.

Next we give both terms new denominators -- 9 × 4 = 36.

So now our fractions look like this:

196
36
18
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can subtract the numerators.

196 − 18 = 178

So the answer is:

178
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...

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

178
36
÷ 2 =
89
18

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...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! The final answer is:
49
9
2
4
=
89
18