math help

What is 22/22 + 4/12?

What is 22/22 + 4/12?

Here's how we add

22
22
+
4
12

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 22 by 12, and get 264, then we multiply 22 by 12 and get 264.

22/22 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 22, and get 88, then multiply 22 by 12 and get 264.

4/12 times 22

So now our fractions look like this:

264
264
+
88
264

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 88 = 352

Now we have an answer.

352
264

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

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

352
264
÷ 2 =
176
132

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

176
132
÷ 2 =
88
66

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

88
66
÷ 2 =
44
33

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 11? Yes! So we reduce it:

44
33
÷ 11 =
4
3

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 11 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 22/22 + 4/12

22
22
+
4
12
=
4
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler