math help

What is 10/12 + 8/10?

What is 10/12 + 8/10?

Here's how you add

10
12
+
8
10

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 10, and get 100, then we multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

10/12 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 12, and get 96, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

8/10 times 12

So now our fractions look like this:

100
120
+
96
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 96 = 196

So the answer is:

196
120

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:

196
120
÷ 2 =
98
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

98
60
÷ 2 =
49
30

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

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

10
12
+
8
10
=
49
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler