math help

What is 78/92 + 2/4?

What is 78/92 + 2/4?

Let's add

78
92
+
2
4

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 4 is evenly divided by 92, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 23, and get 46, then we multiply 4 by 23 and get 92.

2/4 times 23

So now our fractions look like this:

78
92
+
46
92

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

78 + 46 = 124

So the answer is:

124
92

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:

124
92
÷ 2 =
62
46

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

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

62
46
÷ 2 =
31
23

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. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 78/92 + 2/4

78
92
+
2
4
=
31
23
© 2014 Randy Tayler