math help

What is 53/9 + 4/10?

What is 53/9 + 4/10?

This is how to add

53
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 53 by 10, and get 530, then we multiply 9 by 10 and get 90.

53/9 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:

530
90
+
36
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

530 + 36 = 566

Now we have an answer.

566
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:

566
90
÷ 2 =
283
45

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 53/9 + 4/10

53
9
+
4
10
=
283
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler