math help

What is 24/5 + 8/12?

What is 24/5 + 8/12?

Here's how to add

24
5
+
8
12

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

24/5 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 5, and get 40, then multiply 5 by 12 and get 60.

8/12 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

288
60
+
40
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

288 + 40 = 328

That gives us an answer of

328
60

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:

328
60
÷ 2 =
164
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

164
30
÷ 2 =
82
15

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

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

24
5
+
8
12
=
82
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler