math help

What is 80/2 + 2/4?

What is 80/2 + 2/4?

Here's how we add

80
2
+
2
4

Step 1

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

Since 2 is evenly divided by 4, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 80 by 2, and get 160, then we multiply 2 by 2 and get 4.

80/2 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

160
4
+
2
4

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

160 + 2 = 162

So the answer is:

162
4

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:

162
4
÷ 2 =
81
2

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 80/2 + 2/4

80
2
+
2
4
=
81
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler