math help

What is 9/48 + 2/5?

What is 9/48 + 2/5?

Let's add

9
48
+
2
5

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 5, and get 45, then we multiply 48 by 5 and get 240.

9/48 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 48, and get 96, then multiply 48 by 5 and get 240.

2/5 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

45
240
+
96
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

45 + 96 = 141

So the answer is:

141
240

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

141
240
÷ 3 =
47
80

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 53 is larger than 47. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/48 + 2/5

9
48
+
2
5
=
47
80
© 2014 Randy Tayler