math help

What is 24/12 + 4/5?

What is 24/12 + 4/5?

This is how we add

24
12
+
4
5

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 5, and get 120, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

24/12 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

4/5 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

120
60
+
48
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 48 = 168

So what's the answer so far?

168
60

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:

168
60
÷ 2 =
84
30

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

84
30
÷ 2 =
42
15

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:

42
15
÷ 3 =
14
5

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/12 + 4/5

24
12
+
4
5
=
14
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler