math help

What is 4/52 + 1/12?

What is 4/52 + 1/12?

This is how to add

4
52
+
1
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 4 by 12, and get 48, then we multiply 52 by 12 and get 624.

4/52 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 52, and get 52, then multiply 52 by 12 and get 624.

1/12 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

48
624
+
52
624

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 52 = 100

So what's the answer so far?

100
624

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:

100
624
÷ 2 =
50
312

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

50
312
÷ 2 =
25
156

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...

No good. 29 is larger than 25. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 4/52 + 1/12

4
52
+
1
12
=
25
156
© 2014 Randy Tayler