math help

What is 100/50 + 6/12?

What is 100/50 + 6/12?

Here's how to add

100
50
+
6
12

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 12, and get 1200, then we multiply 50 by 12 and get 600.

100/50 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 50, and get 300, then multiply 50 by 12 and get 600.

6/12 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

1200
600
+
300
600

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1200 + 300 = 1500

So the answer is:

1500
600

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:

1500
600
÷ 2 =
750
300

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

750
300
÷ 2 =
375
150

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

375
150
÷ 3 =
125
50

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

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

125
50
÷ 5 =
25
10

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

25
10
÷ 5 =
5
2

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 5 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 100/50 + 6/12

100
50
+
6
12
=
5
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler