math help

What is 4/52 + 4/9?

What is 4/52 + 4/9?

This is how to add

4
52
+
4
9

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 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 4 by 52, and get 208, then multiply 52 by 9 and get 468.

4/9 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

36
468
+
208
468

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 208 = 244

So what's the answer so far?

244
468

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

244
468
÷ 2 =
122
234

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

122
234
÷ 2 =
61
117

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

No good. 67 is larger than 61. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 4/52 + 4/9

4
52
+
4
9
=
61
117
© 2014 Randy Tayler