math help

What is 10/12 + 5/10?

What is 10/12 + 5/10?

This is how you add

10
12
+
5
10

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 10, and get 100, then we multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

10/12 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 12, and get 60, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

5/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

100
120
+
60
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 60 = 160

So what's the answer so far?

160
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:

160
120
÷ 2 =
80
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

80
60
÷ 2 =
40
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

40
30
÷ 2 =
20
15

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

20
15
÷ 5 =
4
3

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 10/12 + 5/10

10
12
+
5
10
=
4
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler