math help

What is 21/63 + 1/12?

What is 21/63 + 1/12?

This is how to add

21
63
+
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 21 by 12, and get 252, then we multiply 63 by 12 and get 756.

21/63 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 63, and get 63, then multiply 63 by 12 and get 756.

1/12 times 63

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

252
756
+
63
756

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

252 + 63 = 315

That gives us an answer of

315
756

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

315
756
÷ 3 =
105
252

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

105
252
÷ 3 =
35
84

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 7? Yes! So we reduce it:

35
84
÷ 7 =
5
12

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 21/63 + 1/12

21
63
+
1
12
=
5
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler