math help

What is 53/9 + 1/5?

What is 53/9 + 1/5?

Here's how you add

53
9
+
1
5

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 53 by 5, and get 265, then we multiply 9 by 5 and get 45.

53/9 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 5 and get 45.

1/5 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

265
45
+
9
45

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

265 + 9 = 274

Now we have an answer.

274
45

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...

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 45. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 53/9 + 1/5

53
9
+
1
5
=
274
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler