math help

What is 1/16 + 8/12?

What is 1/16 + 8/12?

This is how you add

1
16
+
8
12

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 1 by 12, and get 12, then we multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

1/16 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 16, and get 128, then multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

8/12 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

12
192
+
128
192

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

12 + 128 = 140

So what's the answer so far?

140
192

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:

140
192
÷ 2 =
70
96

Now, try the same number again.

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

70
96
÷ 2 =
35
48

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 35. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 1/16 + 8/12

1
16
+
8
12
=
35
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler