math help

What is 10/12 + 3/8?

What is 10/12 + 3/8?

Here's how you add

10
12
+
3
8

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 10 by 8, and get 80, then we multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

10/12 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

3/8 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

80
96
+
36
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

80 + 36 = 116

That gives us an answer of

116
96

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
96
÷ 2 =
58
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

58
48
÷ 2 =
29
24

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 24. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/12 + 3/8

10
12
+
3
8
=
29
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler