math help

What is 10/12 + 9/10?

What is 10/12 + 9/10?

This is how to add

10
12
+
9
10

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

10/12 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 9 by 12, and get 108, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

9/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

100
120
+
108
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 108 = 208

That gives us an answer of

208
120

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:

208
120
÷ 2 =
104
60

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

104
60
÷ 2 =
52
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

52
30
÷ 2 =
26
15

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 10/12 + 9/10

10
12
+
9
10
=
26
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler