math help

What is 49/9 + 1/2?

What is 49/9 + 1/2?

Here's how you add

49
9
+
1
2

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 49 by 2, and get 98, then we multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

49/9 times 2

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

1/2 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

98
18
+
9
18

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

98 + 9 = 107

So what's the answer so far?

107
18

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 49/9 + 1/2

49
9
+
1
2
=
107
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler