math help

What is 30/50 + 1/4?

What is 30/50 + 1/4?

Let's add

30
50
+
1
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 30 by 4, and get 120, then we multiply 50 by 4 and get 200.

30/50 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 50, and get 50, then multiply 50 by 4 and get 200.

1/4 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

120
200
+
50
200

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 50 = 170

So what's the answer so far?

170
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:

170
200
÷ 2 =
85
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:

85
100
÷ 5 =
17
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 30/50 + 1/4

30
50
+
1
4
=
17
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler