math help

What is 12/13 + 2/5?

What is 12/13 + 2/5?

Here's how we add

12
13
+
2
5

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 12 by 5, and get 60, then we multiply 13 by 5 and get 65.

12/13 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 13, and get 26, then multiply 13 by 5 and get 65.

2/5 times 13

So now our fractions look like this:

60
65
+
26
65

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 26 = 86

So the answer is:

86
65

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...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. 67 is larger than 65. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 12/13 + 2/5

12
13
+
2
5
=
86
65
© 2014 Randy Tayler