math help

What is 2/11 + 8/12?

What is 2/11 + 8/12?

Here's how you add

2
11
+
8
12

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 2 by 12, and get 24, then we multiply 11 by 12 and get 132.

2/11 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 11, and get 88, then multiply 11 by 12 and get 132.

8/12 times 11

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

24
132
+
88
132

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 88 = 112

That gives us an answer of

112
132

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:

112
132
÷ 2 =
56
66

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

56
66
÷ 2 =
28
33

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 28. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 2/11 + 8/12

2
11
+
8
12
=
28
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler