math help

What is 6/88 + 5/12?

What is 6/88 + 5/12?

This is how to add

6
88
+
5
12

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

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

6/88 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 88, and get 440, then multiply 88 by 12 and get 1056.

5/12 times 88

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

72
1056
+
440
1056

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

72 + 440 = 512

That gives us the sum, which is

512
1056

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

512
1056
÷ 2 =
256
528

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

256
528
÷ 2 =
128
264

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

128
264
÷ 2 =
64
132

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

64
132
÷ 2 =
32
66

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

32
66
÷ 2 =
16
33

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...

No good. 17 is larger than 16. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 6/88 + 5/12

6
88
+
5
12
=
16
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler