math help

What is 100/72 + 1/2?

What is 100/72 + 1/2?

Here's how to add

100
72
+
1
2

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

72 goes into 2 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 36, and get 36, then we multiply 2 by 36 and get 72.

1/2 times 36

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

100
72
+
36
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 36 = 136

That gives us the sum, which is

136
72

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

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

136
72
÷ 2 =
68
36

Now, try the same number again.

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

68
36
÷ 2 =
34
18

Now, try the same number again.

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

34
18
÷ 2 =
17
9

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/72 + 1/2

100
72
+
1
2
=
17
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler