Question

what algorithm (rule) will produce the correct result for the sum "a+b" where a and b each represent any rational number.

Answer 1

Answer:

To find the sum of  a + b where a and b are rational number.

1. when a and b are natural numbers

just add them . for example a =3, b=8

then ,a + b = 11

2. When a and b  are whole numbers,

simply add them . for example a= 0, b=8

a+ b = 0 + 8= 8

3. When  a and b are integers

for example, a =-1 b=8,

a+ b= -1+ 8 =7,

a=-2, b= -8

a+ b= -2-8=-10

a= -6 , b=2

a+ b= -6 + 2= -4

a= 8, b= -2

a+ b= 8 +(-2) =6

I have written this because Rational number = [Integers{Whole number(Natural number)}]

now when a= Any fraction=$\frac{p}{q}$ and b = Any fraction=$\frac{u}{v}$

now ,

$\frac{p}{q} + \frac{u}{v}$

Find L.C.M of q and v

= if q and v are Co-prime , just multiply them to find their  L.C.M.

For example 14,9. LCM=14×9=126

Otherwise, Find factors of q and v . Then take out common factors first and then multiply the remaining with with common factors.For example

q=12 and v=18

12 =2×2×3

18=2×3×3

common factor =2,3

non common=2,3

L.C.M= 2×2×3×3=36

Suppose LCM of q and v = r

then ,$\frac{p}{q} + \frac{u}{v}$

=$\frac{{\frac{r}{q}}\times p+{\frac{r}{v}\times u}}{r}$

= ${{\frac{r}{q}}\times p+{\frac{r}{v}\times u}} = k$

then ,

a + b=$\frac{k}{r}$