math help

What is 50/8 + 2/12?

What is 50/8 + 2/12?

This is how you add

50
8
+
2
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 50 by 12, and get 600, then we multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

50/8 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 8, and get 16, then multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

2/12 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

600
96
+
16
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

600 + 16 = 616

So the answer is:

616
96

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:

616
96
÷ 2 =
308
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

308
48
÷ 2 =
154
24

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

154
24
÷ 2 =
77
12

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 2/12

50
8
+
2
12
=
77
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler