math help

What is 53/9 + 8/10?

What is 53/9 + 8/10?

This is how we add

53
9
+
8
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 8 by 9, and get 72, then multiply 9 by 10 and get 90.

8/10 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

530
90
+
72
90

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

530 + 72 = 602

So the answer is:

602
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:

602
90
÷ 2 =
301
45

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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 + 8/10

53
9
+
8
10
=
301
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler