math help

What is 24/12 + 8/11?

What is 24/12 + 8/11?

This is how to add

24
12
+
8
11

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

So, we multiply 24 by 11, and get 264, then we multiply 12 by 11 and get 132.

24/12 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 12, and get 96, then multiply 12 by 11 and get 132.

8/11 times 12

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

264
132
+
96
132

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 96 = 360

That gives us the sum, which is

360
132

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

360
132
÷ 2 =
180
66

Now, try the same number again.

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

180
66
÷ 2 =
90
33

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:

90
33
÷ 3 =
30
11

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 24/12 + 8/11

24
12
+
8
11
=
30
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler