math help

What is 49/9 + 4/10?

What is 49/9 + 4/10?

This is how you add

49
9
+
4
10

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 10, and get 490, then we multiply 9 by 10 and get 90.

49/9 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 9, and get 36, then multiply 9 by 10 and get 90.

4/10 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

490
90
+
36
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

490 + 36 = 526

So the answer is:

526
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:

526
90
÷ 2 =
263
45

Let's try dividing by that 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! Here's the final answer to 49/9 + 4/10

49
9
+
4
10
=
263
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler