math help

What is 10/12 + 7/8?

What is 10/12 + 7/8?

This is how you add

10
12
+
7
8

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

10/12 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 12, and get 84, then multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

7/8 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

80
96
+
84
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

80 + 84 = 164

So what's the answer so far?

164
96

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:

164
96
÷ 2 =
82
48

Now, try the same number again.

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

82
48
÷ 2 =
41
24

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 24. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 10/12 + 7/8

10
12
+
7
8
=
41
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler