math help

What is 49/9 + 2/4?

What is 49/9 + 2/4?

Let's add

49
9
+
2
4

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 4, and get 196, then we multiply 9 by 4 and get 36.

49/9 times 4

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 9, and get 18, then multiply 9 by 4 and get 36.

2/4 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

196
36
+
18
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

196 + 18 = 214

So the answer is:

214
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:

214
36
÷ 2 =
107
18

Now, try the same number again.

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 + 2/4

49
9
+
2
4
=
107
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler