math help

What is 49/9 + 3/12?

What is 49/9 + 3/12?

This is how we add

49
9
+
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 49 by 12, and get 588, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

49/9 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

3/12 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

588
108
+
27
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

588 + 27 = 615

That gives us an answer of

615
108

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

615
108
÷ 3 =
205
36

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 49/9 + 3/12

49
9
+
3
12
=
205
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler