math help

What is 10/6 + 3/12?

What is 10/6 + 3/12?

This is how we add

10
6
+
3
12

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

12 goes into 6 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 10 by 2, and get 20, then we multiply 6 by 2 and get 12.

10/6 times 2

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

20
12
+
3
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

20 + 3 = 23

That gives us the sum, which is

23
12

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 10/6 + 3/12

10
6
+
3
12
=
23
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler