Here's how we add
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Step 1Can 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 88 by 12, and get 1056, then we multiply 15 by 12 and get 180. Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 15, and get 120, then multiply 15 by 12 and get 180. We now have a new problem, that looks like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 1056 + 120 = 1176 Answer:
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Step 3Now, 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:
Let's try dividing by that again... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
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:
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... No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing. There you have it! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 8/12
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