math help

What is 6/10 + 9/12?

What is 6/10 + 9/12?

This is how you add

6
10
+
9
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 6 by 12, and get 72, then we multiply 10 by 12 and get 120.

6/10 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 9 by 10, and get 90, then multiply 10 by 12 and get 120.

9/12 times 10

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

72
120
+
90
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

72 + 90 = 162

So what's the answer so far?

162
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:

162
120
÷ 2 =
81
60

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

81
60
÷ 3 =
27
20

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 6/10 + 9/12

6
10
+
9
12
=
27
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler