math help

What is 9/48 + 5/10?

What is 9/48 + 5/10?

This is how you add

9
48
+
5
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 5 by 48, and get 240, then multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

5/10 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

90
480
+
240
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

90 + 240 = 330

So the answer is:

330
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:

330
480
÷ 2 =
165
240

Let's try dividing by that again...

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:

165
240
÷ 3 =
55
80

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

55
80
÷ 5 =
11
16

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 9/48 + 5/10

9
48
+
5
10
=
11
16
© 2014 Randy Tayler