math help

What is 70/51 + 8/12?

What is 70/51 + 8/12?

Let's add

70
51
+
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 70 by 12, and get 840, then we multiply 51 by 12 and get 612.

70/51 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 51, and get 408, then multiply 51 by 12 and get 612.

8/12 times 51

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

840
612
+
408
612

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

840 + 408 = 1248

So what's the answer so far?

1248
612

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:

1248
612
÷ 2 =
624
306

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

624
306
÷ 2 =
312
153

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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

312
153
÷ 3 =
104
51

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 70/51 + 8/12

70
51
+
8
12
=
104
51
© 2014 Randy Tayler