math help

What is 31/12 + 4/5?

What is 31/12 + 4/5?

This is how we add

31
12
+
4
5

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 31 by 5, and get 155, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

31/12 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

4/5 times 12

So now our fractions look like this:

155
60
+
48
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

155 + 48 = 203

Now we have an answer.

203
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. 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...

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 31/12 + 4/5

31
12
+
4
5
=
203
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler