Solve Fraction Problem: Calculate 18/(18+36) Step by Step

Fraction Simplification with Common Factors

1818+36= \frac{18}{18+36}=

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Step-by-step video solution

Watch the teacher solve the problem with clear explanations
00:00 Solve the following expression
00:03 Calculate the denominator first and then divide
00:17 Break down 54 into factors 18 and 3
00:23 Reduce the remaining expression
00:29 Here is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

Follow each step carefully to understand the complete solution
1

Understand the problem

1818+36= \frac{18}{18+36}=

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the expression 1818+36 \frac{18}{18+36} , we need to follow the order of operations, often remembered by the acronym PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication and Division (from left to right), Addition and Subtraction (from left to right)). Here we have only addition and division.

First, we perform the operation inside the parentheses, which is addition in this case:

  • Add the numbers in the denominator: 18+36=54 18 + 36 = 54 .


Now, we substitute back into the fraction:1854 \frac{18}{54} .

Next, simplify the fraction:

  • We look for the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 18 and 54. The GCD is 18.

  • Divide both the numerator and the denominator by the GCD:

    • 1818=1 \frac{18}{18} = 1

    • 5418=3 \frac{54}{18} = 3


Thus, the simplified fraction is 13 \frac{1}{3} .

The final answer is: 13 \frac{1}{3} .

3

Final Answer

13 \frac{1}{3}

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Order: Always simplify denominator before dividing
  • Technique: Find GCD of 18 and 54, which is 18
  • Check: Verify 13 \frac{1}{3} equals original expression by cross-multiplying ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Dividing before simplifying denominator
    Don't try to divide 18 by each part separately like 18÷18 and 18÷36 = wrong approach! This ignores order of operations and gives incorrect results. Always add the denominator first, then divide and simplify.

Practice Quiz

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\( 100+5-100+5 \)

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

Why can't I just divide 18 by 18 and 18 by 36 separately?

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Because you must follow order of operations! The denominator 18+36 is in parentheses, so you must add first to get 54, then divide 18÷54.

How do I find the greatest common divisor (GCD) quickly?

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List the factors of both numbers: 18 has factors 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18 and 54 has factors 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18, 27, 54. The largest common factor is 18.

What if the fraction doesn't simplify evenly?

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That's okay! Not all fractions can be simplified. Just make sure you've found the correct GCD and divided both numerator and denominator by it.

Can I use a calculator for this problem?

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Yes, but it's great practice to do it by hand! A calculator would give you 0.333... but the exact answer 13 \frac{1}{3} is more precise.

Why is my answer different from the multiple choice options?

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Double-check your arithmetic! Make sure you added 18+36=54 correctly, then simplified 1854 \frac{18}{54} by dividing both parts by their GCD of 18.

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