math help

What is 5/9 + 7/12?

What is 5/9 + 7/12?

Here's how you add

5
9
+
7
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 5 by 12, and get 60, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

5/9 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 9, and get 63, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

7/12 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

60
108
+
63
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 63 = 123

That gives us an answer of

123
108

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

123
108
÷ 3 =
41
36

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 5/9 + 7/12

5
9
+
7
12
=
41
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler