math help

What is 31/12 + 8/10?

What is 31/12 + 8/10?

Here's how you add

31
12
+
8
10

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 31 by 10, and get 310, then we multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

31/12 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 12, and get 96, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

8/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

310
120
+
96
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

310 + 96 = 406

So what's the answer so far?

406
120

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:

406
120
÷ 2 =
203
60

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...

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 + 8/10

31
12
+
8
10
=
203
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler