math help

What is 3/24 + 8/12?

What is 3/24 + 8/12?

Here's how you add

3
24
+
8
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

24 goes into 12 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 8 by 2, and get 16, then we multiply 12 by 2 and get 24.

8/12 times 2

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

3
24
+
16
24

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

3 + 16 = 19

That gives us the sum, which is

19
24

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 19. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 3/24 + 8/12

3
24
+
8
12
=
19
24
© 2014 Randy Tayler