math help

What is 9/34 + 1/5?

What is 9/34 + 1/5?

Here's how to add

9
34
+
1
5

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 5, and get 45, then we multiply 34 by 5 and get 170.

9/34 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 34, and get 34, then multiply 34 by 5 and get 170.

1/5 times 34

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

45
170
+
34
170

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

45 + 34 = 79

That gives us an answer of

79
170

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

No good. 83 is larger than 79. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/34 + 1/5

9
34
+
1
5
=
79
170
© 2014 Randy Tayler