math help

What is 96/2 + 5/9?

What is 96/2 + 5/9?

Here's how to add

96
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 96 by 9, and get 864, then we multiply 2 by 9 and get 18.

96/2 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:

864
18
+
10
18

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

864 + 10 = 874

So the answer is:

874
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:

874
18
÷ 2 =
437
9

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 96/2 + 5/9

96
2
+
5
9
=
437
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler