math help

What is 80/2 + 6/12?

What is 80/2 + 6/12?

This is how you add

80
2
+
6
12

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 2 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 80 by 6, and get 480, then we multiply 2 by 6 and get 12.

80/2 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

480
12
+
6
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

480 + 6 = 486

Now we have an answer.

486
12

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:

486
12
÷ 2 =
243
6

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:

243
6
÷ 3 =
81
2

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 80/2 + 6/12

80
2
+
6
12
=
81
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler