math help

What is 20/64 + 1/12?

What is 20/64 + 1/12?

This is how to add

20
64
+
1
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 20 by 12, and get 240, then we multiply 64 by 12 and get 768.

20/64 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 64, and get 64, then multiply 64 by 12 and get 768.

1/12 times 64

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

240
768
+
64
768

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

240 + 64 = 304

That gives us an answer of

304
768

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:

304
768
÷ 2 =
152
384

Now, try the same number again.

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

152
384
÷ 2 =
76
192

Now, try the same number again.

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

76
192
÷ 2 =
38
96

Now, try the same number again.

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

38
96
÷ 2 =
19
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...

No good. 23 is larger than 19. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/64 + 1/12

20
64
+
1
12
=
19
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler