math help

What is 9/34 + 3/10?

What is 9/34 + 3/10?

Here's how to add

9
34
+
3
10

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 9 by 10, and get 90, then we multiply 34 by 10 and get 340.

9/34 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 34, and get 102, then multiply 34 by 10 and get 340.

3/10 times 34

So now our fractions look like this:

90
340
+
102
340

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

90 + 102 = 192

So the answer is:

192
340

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:

192
340
÷ 2 =
96
170

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:

96
170
÷ 2 =
48
85

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. 53 is larger than 48. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 9/34 + 3/10

9
34
+
3
10
=
48
85
© 2014 Randy Tayler