math help

What is 9/10 + 2/4?

What is 9/10 + 2/4?

Here's how we add

9
10
+
2
4

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 9 by 4, and get 36, then we multiply 10 by 4 and get 40.

9/10 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 10, and get 20, then multiply 10 by 4 and get 40.

2/4 times 10

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

36
40
+
20
40

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 20 = 56

That gives us an answer of

56
40

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

56
40
÷ 2 =
28
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

28
20
÷ 2 =
14
10

Now, try the same number again.

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

14
10
÷ 2 =
7
5

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...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/10 + 2/4

9
10
+
2
4
=
7
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler