math help

What is 24/5 + 7/12?

What is 24/5 + 7/12?

This is how to add

24
5
+
7
12

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 24 by 12, and get 288, then we multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

24/5 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 5, and get 35, then multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

7/12 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

288
60
+
35
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

288 + 35 = 323

So the answer is:

323
60

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

No good. 61 is larger than 60. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 7/12

24
5
+
7
12
=
323
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler