math help

What is 60/48 + 1/4?

What is 60/48 + 1/4?

Let's add

60
48
+
1
4

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

48 goes into 4 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 12, and get 12, then we multiply 4 by 12 and get 48.

1/4 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

60
48
+
12
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 12 = 72

That gives us an answer of

72
48

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:

72
48
÷ 2 =
36
24

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

36
24
÷ 2 =
18
12

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

18
12
÷ 2 =
9
6

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 3...

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

9
6
÷ 3 =
3
2

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 60/48 + 1/4

60
48
+
1
4
=
3
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler