math help

What is 6/12 + 9/10?

What is 6/12 + 9/10?

This is how you add

6
12
+
9
10

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 6 by 10, and get 60, then we multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

6/12 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 9 by 12, and get 108, then multiply 12 by 10 and get 120.

9/10 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

60
120
+
108
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 108 = 168

So what's the answer so far?

168
120

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:

168
120
÷ 2 =
84
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

84
60
÷ 2 =
42
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

42
30
÷ 2 =
21
15

Now, try the same number again.

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

21
15
÷ 3 =
7
5

Now, try the same number again.

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 6/12 + 9/10

6
12
+
9
10
=
7
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler