math help

What is 9/48 + 3/9?

What is 9/48 + 3/9?

This is how to add

9
48
+
3
9

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 9, and get 81, then we multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

9/48 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 48, and get 144, then multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

3/9 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

81
432
+
144
432

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

81 + 144 = 225

So what's the answer so far?

225
432

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

225
432
÷ 3 =
75
144

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

75
144
÷ 3 =
25
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 25. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 9/48 + 3/9

9
48
+
3
9
=
25
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler