math help

What is 48/30 + 2/12?

What is 48/30 + 2/12?

Let's add

48
30
+
2
12

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 48 by 12, and get 576, then we multiply 30 by 12 and get 360.

48/30 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 30, and get 60, then multiply 30 by 12 and get 360.

2/12 times 30

So now our fractions look like this:

576
360
+
60
360

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 60 = 636

Now we have an answer.

636
360

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...

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

636
360
÷ 2 =
318
180

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

318
180
÷ 2 =
159
90

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

159
90
÷ 3 =
53
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 2/12

48
30
+
2
12
=
53
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler