math help

What is 50/8 + 7/12?

What is 50/8 + 7/12?

Here's how to add

50
8
+
7
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 50 by 12, and get 600, then we multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

50/8 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 8, and get 56, then multiply 8 by 12 and get 96.

7/12 times 8

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

600
96
+
56
96

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

600 + 56 = 656

So what's the answer so far?

656
96

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:

656
96
÷ 2 =
328
48

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

328
48
÷ 2 =
164
24

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

164
24
÷ 2 =
82
12

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

82
12
÷ 2 =
41
6

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 50/8 + 7/12

50
8
+
7
12
=
41
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler