math help

What is 45/3 + 1/4?

What is 45/3 + 1/4?

Here's how we add

45
3
+
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 45 by 4, and get 180, then we multiply 3 by 4 and get 12.

45/3 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 3, and get 3, then multiply 3 by 4 and get 12.

1/4 times 3

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

180
12
+
3
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

180 + 3 = 183

So what's the answer so far?

183
12

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

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

183
12
÷ 3 =
61
4

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 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 45/3 + 1/4

45
3
+
1
4
=
61
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler