math help

What is 6/88 + 2/12?

What is 6/88 + 2/12?

This is how we add

6
88
+
2
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 6 by 12, and get 72, then we multiply 88 by 12 and get 1056.

6/88 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 88, and get 176, then multiply 88 by 12 and get 1056.

2/12 times 88

So now our fractions look like this:

72
1056
+
176
1056

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

72 + 176 = 248

Now we have an answer.

248
1056

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:

248
1056
÷ 2 =
124
528

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

124
528
÷ 2 =
62
264

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

62
264
÷ 2 =
31
132

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 31. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 6/88 + 2/12

6
88
+
2
12
=
31
132
© 2014 Randy Tayler