math help

What is 30/50 + 5/12?

What is 30/50 + 5/12?

This is how to add

30
50
+
5
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 5 by 50, and get 250, then multiply 50 by 12 and get 600.

5/12 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

360
600
+
250
600

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

360 + 250 = 610

That gives us an answer of

610
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:

610
600
÷ 2 =
305
300

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

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

305
300
÷ 5 =
61
60

Now, try the same number again.

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 30/50 + 5/12

30
50
+
5
12
=
61
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler