math help

What is 24/12 + 2/7?

What is 24/12 + 2/7?

This is how we add

24
12
+
2
7

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 24 by 7, and get 168, then we multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

24/12 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 12, and get 24, then multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

2/7 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

168
84
+
24
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

168 + 24 = 192

So what's the answer so far?

192
84

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:

192
84
÷ 2 =
96
42

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

96
42
÷ 2 =
48
21

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

48
21
÷ 3 =
16
7

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/12 + 2/7

24
12
+
2
7
=
16
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler