math help

What is 64/17 + 8/12?

What is 64/17 + 8/12?

This is how we add

64
17
+
8
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 8 by 17, and get 136, then multiply 17 by 12 and get 204.

8/12 times 17

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

768
204
+
136
204

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

768 + 136 = 904

So what's the answer so far?

904
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:

904
204
÷ 2 =
452
102

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:

452
102
÷ 2 =
226
51

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 64/17 + 8/12

64
17
+
8
12
=
226
51
© 2014 Randy Tayler