math help

What is 88/15 + 2/12?

What is 88/15 + 2/12?

Here's how you add

88
15
+
2
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 88 by 12, and get 1056, then we multiply 15 by 12 and get 180.

88/15 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 15, and get 30, then multiply 15 by 12 and get 180.

2/12 times 15

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

1056
180
+
30
180

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1056 + 30 = 1086

So what's the answer so far?

1086
180

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:

1086
180
÷ 2 =
543
90

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:

543
90
÷ 3 =
181
30

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...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 2/12

88
15
+
2
12
=
181
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler