math help

What is 1/12 + 2/5?

What is 1/12 + 2/5?

This is how to add

1
12
+
2
5

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 1 by 5, and get 5, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

1/12 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 12, and get 24, then multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

2/5 times 12

So now our fractions look like this:

5
60
+
24
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

5 + 24 = 29

Now we have an answer.

29
60

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...

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 29. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 1/12 + 2/5

1
12
+
2
5
=
29
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler