math help

What is 100/72 + 4/12?

What is 100/72 + 4/12?

This is how to add

100
72
+
4
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 12 is evenly divided by 72, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 4 by 6, and get 24, then we multiply 12 by 6 and get 72.

4/12 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

100
72
+
24
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 24 = 124

Now we have an answer.

124
72

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:

124
72
÷ 2 =
62
36

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

62
36
÷ 2 =
31
18

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 100/72 + 4/12

100
72
+
4
12
=
31
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler