math help

What is 10/12 + 6/8?

What is 10/12 + 6/8?

Let's add

10
12
+
6
8

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 10 by 8, and get 80, then we multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

10/12 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 12, and get 72, then multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

6/8 times 12

So now our fractions look like this:

80
96
+
72
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

80 + 72 = 152

Now we have an answer.

152
96

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:

152
96
÷ 2 =
76
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

76
48
÷ 2 =
38
24

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

38
24
÷ 2 =
19
12

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/12 + 6/8

10
12
+
6
8
=
19
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler