math help

What is 95/29 + 4/12?

What is 95/29 + 4/12?

Here's how to add

95
29
+
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 95 by 12, and get 1140, then we multiply 29 by 12 and get 348.

95/29 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 29, and get 116, then multiply 29 by 12 and get 348.

4/12 times 29

So now our fractions look like this:

1140
348
+
116
348

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1140 + 116 = 1256

Now we have an answer.

1256
348

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:

1256
348
÷ 2 =
628
174

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:

628
174
÷ 2 =
314
87

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 79...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 83...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 89...

No good. 89 is larger than 87. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 95/29 + 4/12

95
29
+
4
12
=
314
87
© 2014 Randy Tayler