math help

What is 9/48 + 1/10?

What is 9/48 + 1/10?

Here's how you add

9
48
+
1
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 48 by 10 and get 480.

9/48 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 48, and get 48, then multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

1/10 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

90
480
+
48
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

90 + 48 = 138

Now we have an answer.

138
480

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:

138
480
÷ 2 =
69
240

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

69
240
÷ 3 =
23
80

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 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. 29 is larger than 23. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 9/48 + 1/10

9
48
+
1
10
=
23
80
© 2014 Randy Tayler