math help

What is 64/17 + 4/12?

What is 64/17 + 4/12?

This is how to add

64
17
+
4
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 17 by 12 and get 204.

64/17 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 17, and get 68, then multiply 17 by 12 and get 204.

4/12 times 17

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

768
204
+
68
204

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

768 + 68 = 836

That gives us an answer of

836
204

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:

836
204
÷ 2 =
418
102

Now, try the same number again.

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

418
102
÷ 2 =
209
51

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

No good. 53 is larger than 51. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/17 + 4/12

64
17
+
4
12
=
209
51
© 2014 Randy Tayler