math help

What is 24/12 + 5/8?

What is 24/12 + 5/8?

Here's how to add

24
12
+
5
8

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 8, and get 192, then we multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

24/12 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 12, and get 60, then multiply 12 by 8 and get 96.

5/8 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

192
96
+
60
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 60 = 252

That gives us an answer of

252
96

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:

252
96
÷ 2 =
126
48

Now, try the same number again.

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

126
48
÷ 2 =
63
24

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:

63
24
÷ 3 =
21
8

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 8. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/12 + 5/8

24
12
+
5
8
=
21
8
© 2014 Randy Tayler