math help

What is 100/50 + 3/4?

What is 100/50 + 3/4?

This is how we add

100
50
+
3
4

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 100 by 4, and get 400, then we multiply 50 by 4 and get 200.

100/50 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 50, and get 150, then multiply 50 by 4 and get 200.

3/4 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

400
200
+
150
200

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

400 + 150 = 550

So what's the answer so far?

550
200

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

550
200
÷ 2 =
275
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:

275
100
÷ 5 =
55
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

55
20
÷ 5 =
11
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 + 3/4

100
50
+
3
4
=
11
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler