math help

What is 7/16 + 2/12?

What is 7/16 + 2/12?

This is how you add

7
16
+
2
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 7 by 12, and get 84, then we multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

7/16 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 16, and get 32, then multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

2/12 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

84
192
+
32
192

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

84 + 32 = 116

So what's the answer so far?

116
192

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:

116
192
÷ 2 =
58
96

Now, try the same number again.

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

58
96
÷ 2 =
29
48

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 7/16 + 2/12

7
16
+
2
12
=
29
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler