math help

What is 10/6 + 8/12?

What is 10/6 + 8/12?

Let's add

10
6
+
8
12

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 6 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just 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

So now our fractions look like this:

20
12
+
8
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

20 + 8 = 28

Now we have an answer.

28
12

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:

28
12
÷ 2 =
14
6

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

14
6
÷ 2 =
7
3

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...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/6 + 8/12

10
6
+
8
12
=
7
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler