math help

What is 4/52 + 5/12?

What is 4/52 + 5/12?

This is how we add

4
52
+
5
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 5 by 52, and get 260, then multiply 52 by 12 and get 624.

5/12 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

48
624
+
260
624

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 260 = 308

That gives us an answer of

308
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:

308
624
÷ 2 =
154
312

Now, try the same number again.

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

154
312
÷ 2 =
77
156

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

No good. 79 is larger than 77. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/52 + 5/12

4
52
+
5
12
=
77
156
© 2014 Randy Tayler