math help

What is 28/100 + 4/12?

What is 28/100 + 4/12?

Here's how we add

28
100
+
4
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 28 by 12, and get 336, then we multiply 100 by 12 and get 1200.

28/100 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 100, and get 400, then multiply 100 by 12 and get 1200.

4/12 times 100

So now our fractions look like this:

336
1200
+
400
1200

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

336 + 400 = 736

So the answer is:

736
1200

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...

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

736
1200
÷ 2 =
368
600

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

368
600
÷ 2 =
184
300

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

184
300
÷ 2 =
92
150

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

92
150
÷ 2 =
46
75

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 47 is larger than 46. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 28/100 + 4/12

28
100
+
4
12
=
46
75
© 2014 Randy Tayler