math help

What is 12/13 + 4/8?

What is 12/13 + 4/8?

This is how you add

12
13
+
4
8

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 8, and get 96, then we multiply 13 by 8 and get 104.

12/13 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 13, and get 52, then multiply 13 by 8 and get 104.

4/8 times 13

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

96
104
+
52
104

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

96 + 52 = 148

So what's the answer so far?

148
104

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:

148
104
÷ 2 =
74
52

Now, try the same number again.

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

74
52
÷ 2 =
37
26

Now, try the same number again.

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 26. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 12/13 + 4/8

12
13
+
4
8
=
37
26
© 2014 Randy Tayler