math help

What is 78/10 + 4/12?

What is 78/10 + 4/12?

This is how to add

78
10
+
4
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 78 by 12, and get 936, then we multiply 10 by 12 and get 120.

78/10 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 10, and get 40, then multiply 10 by 12 and get 120.

4/12 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

936
120
+
40
120

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

936 + 40 = 976

So the answer is:

976
120

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:

976
120
÷ 2 =
488
60

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

488
60
÷ 2 =
244
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

244
30
÷ 2 =
122
15

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 78/10 + 4/12

78
10
+
4
12
=
122
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler