math help

What is 49/9 + 1/5?

What is 49/9 + 1/5?

Let's add

49
9
+
1
5

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 49 by 5, and get 245, then we multiply 9 by 5 and get 45.

49/9 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 5 and get 45.

1/5 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

245
45
+
9
45

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

245 + 9 = 254

So the answer is:

254
45

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...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 49/9 + 1/5

49
9
+
1
5
=
254
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler