math help

What is 80/2 + 5/9?

What is 80/2 + 5/9?

Here's how you add

80
2
+
5
9

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 80 by 9, and get 720, then we multiply 2 by 9 and get 18.

80/2 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 2, and get 10, then multiply 2 by 9 and get 18.

5/9 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

720
18
+
10
18

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

720 + 10 = 730

So the answer is:

730
18

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:

730
18
÷ 2 =
365
9

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 80/2 + 5/9

80
2
+
5
9
=
365
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler