math help

What is 100/50 + 4/6?

What is 100/50 + 4/6?

This is how to add

100
50
+
4
6

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 6, and get 600, then we multiply 50 by 6 and get 300.

100/50 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 50, and get 200, then multiply 50 by 6 and get 300.

4/6 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

600
300
+
200
300

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

600 + 200 = 800

So the answer is:

800
300

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:

800
300
÷ 2 =
400
150

Now, try the same number again.

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

400
150
÷ 2 =
200
75

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:

200
75
÷ 5 =
40
15

Now, try the same number again.

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

40
15
÷ 5 =
8
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/50 + 4/6

100
50
+
4
6
=
8
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler