math help

What is 64/16 + 1/4?

What is 64/16 + 1/4?

Let's add

64
16
+
1
4

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

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

Multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then we multiply 4 by 4 and get 16.

1/4 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

64
16
+
4
16

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

64 + 4 = 68

So what's the answer so far?

68
16

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:

68
16
÷ 2 =
34
8

Now, try the same number again.

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

34
8
÷ 2 =
17
4

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 1/4

64
16
+
1
4
=
17
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler