math help

What is 22/22 + 8/12?

What is 22/22 + 8/12?

Let's add

22
22
+
8
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 8 by 22, and get 176, then multiply 22 by 12 and get 264.

8/12 times 22

So now our fractions look like this:

264
264
+
176
264

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 176 = 440

So the answer is:

440
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:

440
264
÷ 2 =
220
132

Now, try the same number again.

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

220
132
÷ 2 =
110
66

Now, try the same number again.

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

110
66
÷ 2 =
55
33

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...

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

55
33
÷ 11 =
5
3

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 11 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 22/22 + 8/12

22
22
+
8
12
=
5
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler