math help

What is 64/16 + 1/12?

What is 64/16 + 1/12?

This is how you add

64
16
+
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 64 by 12, and get 768, then we multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

64/16 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 16, and get 16, then multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

1/12 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

768
192
+
16
192

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

768 + 16 = 784

So what's the answer so far?

784
192

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:

784
192
÷ 2 =
392
96

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

392
96
÷ 2 =
196
48

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

196
48
÷ 2 =
98
24

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

98
24
÷ 2 =
49
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 64/16 + 1/12

64
16
+
1
12
=
49
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler