math help

What is 100/50 + 4/10?

What is 100/50 + 4/10?

This is how we add

100
50
+
4
10

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 10 is evenly divided by 50, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 4 by 5, and get 20, then we multiply 10 by 5 and get 50.

4/10 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

100
50
+
20
50

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 20 = 120

Now we have an answer.

120
50

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:

120
50
÷ 2 =
60
25

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

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

60
25
÷ 5 =
12
5

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 100/50 + 4/10

100
50
+
4
10
=
12
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler