math help

What is 100/50 + 2/8?

What is 100/50 + 2/8?

This is how to add

100
50
+
2
8

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 100 by 8, and get 800, then we multiply 50 by 8 and get 400.

100/50 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 50, and get 100, then multiply 50 by 8 and get 400.

2/8 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

800
400
+
100
400

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

800 + 100 = 900

So the answer is:

900
400

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:

900
400
÷ 2 =
450
200

Now, try the same number again.

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

450
200
÷ 2 =
225
100

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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

225
100
÷ 5 =
45
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

45
20
÷ 5 =
9
4

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/50 + 2/8

100
50
+
2
8
=
9
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler