math help

What is 53/9 + 1/2?

What is 53/9 + 1/2?

This is how you add

53
9
+
1
2

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 53 by 2, and get 106, then we multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

53/9 times 2

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

1/2 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

106
18
+
9
18

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

106 + 9 = 115

That gives us an answer of

115
18

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 53/9 + 1/2

53
9
+
1
2
=
115
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler