math help

What is 12/13 + 2/6?

What is 12/13 + 2/6?

Here's how you add

12
13
+
2
6

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 12 by 6, and get 72, then we multiply 13 by 6 and get 78.

12/13 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 13, and get 26, then multiply 13 by 6 and get 78.

2/6 times 13

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

72
78
+
26
78

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

72 + 26 = 98

That gives us an answer of

98
78

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:

98
78
÷ 2 =
49
39

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

No good. 41 is larger than 39. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 12/13 + 2/6

12
13
+
2
6
=
49
39
© 2014 Randy Tayler