math help

What is 8/12 + 6/7?

What is 8/12 + 6/7?

Here's how you add

8
12
+
6
7

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 8 by 7, and get 56, then we multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

8/12 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 12, and get 72, then multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

6/7 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

56
84
+
72
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

56 + 72 = 128

That gives us an answer of

128
84

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:

128
84
÷ 2 =
64
42

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

64
42
÷ 2 =
32
21

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 8/12 + 6/7

8
12
+
6
7
=
32
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler