math help

What is 12/1 + 5/10?

What is 12/1 + 5/10?

Here's how to add

12
1
+
5
10

Step 1

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

Since 1 is evenly divided by 10, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 12 by 10, and get 120, then we multiply 1 by 10 and get 10.

12/1 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

120
10
+
5
10

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 5 = 125

Now we have an answer.

125
10

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...

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:

125
10
÷ 5 =
25
2

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 12/1 + 5/10

12
1
+
5
10
=
25
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler