math help

What is 100/24 + 1/2?

What is 100/24 + 1/2?

Let's add

100
24
+
1
2

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

24 goes into 2 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 12, and get 12, then we multiply 2 by 12 and get 24.

1/2 times 12

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

100
24
+
12
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 12 = 112

That gives us the sum, which is

112
24

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

112
24
÷ 2 =
56
12

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

56
12
÷ 2 =
28
6

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

28
6
÷ 2 =
14
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/24 + 1/2

100
24
+
1
2
=
14
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler