math help

What is 49/9 + 6/12?

What is 49/9 + 6/12?

This is how to add

49
9
+
6
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 49 by 12, and get 588, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

49/9 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 9, and get 54, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

6/12 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

588
108
+
54
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

588 + 54 = 642

Now we have an answer.

642
108

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:

642
108
÷ 2 =
321
54

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

321
54
÷ 3 =
107
18

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...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 49/9 + 6/12

49
9
+
6
12
=
107
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler