math help

What is 30/50 + 1/12?

What is 30/50 + 1/12?

This is how you add

30
50
+
1
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 30 by 12, and get 360, then we multiply 50 by 12 and get 600.

30/50 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 50, and get 50, then multiply 50 by 12 and get 600.

1/12 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

360
600
+
50
600

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 50 = 410

So what's the answer so far?

410
600

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:

410
600
÷ 2 =
205
300

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

205
300
÷ 5 =
41
60

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 43 is larger than 41. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 1/12

30
50
+
1
12
=
41
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler