math help

What is 24/12 + 6/7?

What is 24/12 + 6/7?

Here's how to add

24
12
+
6
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 6 by 12, and get 72, then multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

6/7 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

168
84
+
72
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

168 + 72 = 240

That gives us an answer of

240
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:

240
84
÷ 2 =
120
42

Now, try the same number again.

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

120
42
÷ 2 =
60
21

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:

60
21
÷ 3 =
20
7

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 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/12 + 6/7

24
12
+
6
7
=
20
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler