math help

What is 100/72 + 8/12?

What is 100/72 + 8/12?

This is how we add

100
72
+
8
12

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

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

Multiply 8 by 6, and get 48, then we multiply 12 by 6 and get 72.

8/12 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

100
72
+
48
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 48 = 148

So the answer is:

148
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:

148
72
÷ 2 =
74
36

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

74
36
÷ 2 =
37
18

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 100/72 + 8/12

100
72
+
8
12
=
37
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler