math help

What is 64/4 + 8/12?

What is 64/4 + 8/12?

Here's how we add

64
4
+
8
12

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 4 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 64 by 3, and get 192, then we multiply 4 by 3 and get 12.

64/4 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

192
12
+
8
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

192 + 8 = 200

So the answer is:

200
12

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:

200
12
÷ 2 =
100
6

Now, try the same number again.

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

100
6
÷ 2 =
50
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 64/4 + 8/12

64
4
+
8
12
=
50
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler