math help

What is 48/30 + 3/4?

What is 48/30 + 3/4?

Let's add

48
30
+
3
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 48 by 4, and get 192, then we multiply 30 by 4 and get 120.

48/30 times 4

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 30, and get 90, then multiply 30 by 4 and get 120.

3/4 times 30

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

192
120
+
90
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 90 = 282

So what's the answer so far?

282
120

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:

282
120
÷ 2 =
141
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

141
60
÷ 3 =
47
20

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 48/30 + 3/4

48
30
+
3
4
=
47
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler