math help

What is 48/30 + 3/12?

What is 48/30 + 3/12?

This is how you add

48
30
+
3
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 48 by 12, and get 576, then we multiply 30 by 12 and get 360.

48/30 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 30, and get 90, then multiply 30 by 12 and get 360.

3/12 times 30

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

576
360
+
90
360

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 90 = 666

So what's the answer so far?

666
360

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:

666
360
÷ 2 =
333
180

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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

333
180
÷ 3 =
111
60

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

111
60
÷ 3 =
37
20

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 48/30 + 3/12

48
30
+
3
12
=
37
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler