math help

What is 48/30 + 2/4?

What is 48/30 + 2/4?

Here's how to add

48
30
+
2
4

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 48 by 4, and get 192, then we multiply 30 by 4 and get 120.

48/30 times 4

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 30, and get 60, then multiply 30 by 4 and get 120.

2/4 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

192
120
+
60
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 60 = 252

Now we have an answer.

252
120

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:

252
120
÷ 2 =
126
60

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

126
60
÷ 2 =
63
30

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:

63
30
÷ 3 =
21
10

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 2/4

48
30
+
2
4
=
21
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler