math help

What is 4/52 + 8/12?

What is 4/52 + 8/12?

This is how to add

4
52
+
8
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 4 by 12, and get 48, then we multiply 52 by 12 and get 624.

4/52 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 52, and get 416, then multiply 52 by 12 and get 624.

8/12 times 52

So now our fractions look like this:

48
624
+
416
624

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 416 = 464

Now we have an answer.

464
624

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:

464
624
÷ 2 =
232
312

Now, try the same number again.

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

232
312
÷ 2 =
116
156

Now, try the same number again.

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

116
156
÷ 2 =
58
78

Now, try the same number again.

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

58
78
÷ 2 =
29
39

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...

No good. 31 is larger than 29. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/52 + 8/12

4
52
+
8
12
=
29
39
© 2014 Randy Tayler