Solve: 1/4 × 4 + 2 Mixed Operations Problem

Q: Why do I multiply the fraction first instead of adding?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) tells us to do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. This rule prevents confusion and ensures everyone gets the same answer!

Q: How do I multiply a fraction by a whole number?

Multiply the numerator by the whole number: $ \frac{1}{4} \times 4 = \frac{1 \times 4}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1 $. The denominator stays the same!

Q: What if I got 4 as my answer?

You probably solved $ \frac{1 \times 4 \times 4}{4} $ by mistake! Remember: $ \frac{1}{4} \times 4 $ means multiply by 4 once, not twice.

Q: Can I convert the fraction to a decimal first?

Absolutely! $ \frac{1}{4} = 0.25 $, so you get $ 0.25 \times 4 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3 $. Same answer, different method!

Q: How do I check if 3 is correct?

Substitute back: $ \frac{1}{4} \times 4 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3 $ ✓. If your steps match the original problem and equal 3, you're right!

Order of Operations with Mixed Fractions

$\frac{1}{4}\times4+2=$

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations

00:00 Solve

00:03 Always solve multiplication and division before addition and subtraction

00:06 Multiply numerator by numerator and denominator by denominator

00:10 Convert fraction to whole number

00:13 And this is the solution to the question

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution

Understand the problem

$\frac{1}{4}\times4+2=$

Step-by-step solution

According to the order of operations, we first solve the multiplication exercise:

We add the 4 in the numerator of the fraction:

$\frac{1\times4}{4}+2=$

We solve the exercise in the numerator of the fraction and obtain:

$\frac{4}{4}+2=1+2=3$

Final Answer

$3$

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic

Rule: Always multiply and divide before adding and subtracting
Technique: Calculate $\frac{1}{4} \times 4 = 1$ first, then add 2
Check: Work left to right: multiplication gives 1, then 1 + 2 = 3 ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors

Adding before multiplying
Don't solve $\frac{1}{4} \times (4 + 2) = \frac{1}{4} \times 6 = \frac{6}{4}$ ! This changes the problem completely and gives $\frac{3}{2}$ instead of 3. Always follow PEMDAS: multiply $\frac{1}{4} \times 4$ first, then add 2.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Solve:

$$ -5+4+1-3 $$

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why do I multiply the fraction first instead of adding?

The order of operations (PEMDAS) tells us to do multiplication and division before addition and subtraction. This rule prevents confusion and ensures everyone gets the same answer!

How do I multiply a fraction by a whole number?

Multiply the numerator by the whole number: $\frac{1}{4} \times 4 = \frac{1 \times 4}{4} = \frac{4}{4} = 1$ . The denominator stays the same!

What if I got 4 as my answer?

You probably solved $\frac{1 \times 4 \times 4}{4}$ by mistake! Remember: $\frac{1}{4} \times 4$ means multiply by 4 once, not twice.

Can I convert the fraction to a decimal first?

Absolutely! $\frac{1}{4} = 0.25$ , so you get $0.25 \times 4 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3$ . Same answer, different method!

How do I check if 3 is correct?

Substitute back: $\frac{1}{4} \times 4 + 2 = 1 + 2 = 3$ ✓. If your steps match the original problem and equal 3, you're right!

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