math help

What is 24/12 + 3/10?

What is 24/12 + 3/10?

Here's how to add

24
12
+
3
10

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 10, and get 240, then we multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

24/12 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

3/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

240
120
+
36
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

240 + 36 = 276

That gives us an answer of

276
120

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:

276
120
÷ 2 =
138
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

138
60
÷ 2 =
69
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

69
30
÷ 3 =
23
10

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/12 + 3/10

24
12
+
3
10
=
23
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler