math help

What is 4/52 + 2/9?

What is 4/52 + 2/9?

Here's how we add

4
52
+
2
9

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

So, we multiply 4 by 9, and get 36, then we multiply 52 by 9 and get 468.

4/52 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 52, and get 104, then multiply 52 by 9 and get 468.

2/9 times 52

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

36
468
+
104
468

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 104 = 140

Answer:

140
468

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

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

140
468
÷ 2 =
70
234

Now, try the same number again.

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

70
234
÷ 2 =
35
117

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...

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 35. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/52 + 2/9

4
52
+
2
9
=
35
117
© 2014 Randy Tayler