math help

What is 24/12 + 7/10?

What is 24/12 + 7/10?

Here's how we add

24
12
+
7
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 7 by 12, and get 84, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

7/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

240
120
+
84
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

240 + 84 = 324

So what's the answer so far?

324
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:

324
120
÷ 2 =
162
60

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

162
60
÷ 2 =
81
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

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

81
30
÷ 3 =
27
10

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/12 + 7/10

24
12
+
7
10
=
27
10
© 2014 Randy Tayler