math help

What is 10/12 + 4/7?

What is 10/12 + 4/7?

Here's how you add

10
12
+
4
7

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 10 by 7, and get 70, then we multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

10/12 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

4/7 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

70
84
+
48
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

70 + 48 = 118

That gives us an answer of

118
84

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:

118
84
÷ 2 =
59
42

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

No good. 43 is larger than 42. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/12 + 4/7

10
12
+
4
7
=
59
42
© 2014 Randy Tayler