math help

What is 3/64 + 2/12?

What is 3/64 + 2/12?

Here's how we add

3
64
+
2
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 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 64 by 12 and get 768.

3/64 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 64, and get 128, then multiply 64 by 12 and get 768.

2/12 times 64

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

36
768
+
128
768

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 128 = 164

That gives us an answer of

164
768

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:

164
768
÷ 2 =
82
384

Let's try dividing by that again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

82
384
÷ 2 =
41
192

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...

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 3/64 + 2/12

3
64
+
2
12
=
41
192
© 2014 Randy Tayler