math help

What is 5/8 + 11/12?

What is 5/8 + 11/12?

Let's add

5
8
+
11
12

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 5 by 12, and get 60, then we multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

5/8 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 11 by 8, and get 88, then multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

11/12 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

60
96
+
88
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 88 = 148

Now we have an answer.

148
96

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:

148
96
÷ 2 =
74
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

74
48
÷ 2 =
37
24

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 24. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 5/8 + 11/12

5
8
+
11
12
=
37
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler

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