math help

What is 64/16 + 8/12?

What is 64/16 + 8/12?

This is how you add

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

64/16 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 16, and get 128, then multiply 16 by 12 and get 192.

8/12 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

768
192
+
128
192

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

768 + 128 = 896

Now we have an answer.

896
192

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:

896
192
÷ 2 =
448
96

Now, try the same number again.

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

448
96
÷ 2 =
224
48

Now, try the same number again.

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

224
48
÷ 2 =
112
24

Now, try the same number again.

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

112
24
÷ 2 =
56
12

Now, try the same number again.

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

56
12
÷ 2 =
28
6

Now, try the same number again.

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

28
6
÷ 2 =
14
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 8/12

64
16
+
8
12
=
14
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler