math help

What is 96/2 + 2/12?

What is 96/2 + 2/12?

Here's how to add

96
2
+
2
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 96 by 6, and get 576, then we multiply 2 by 6 and get 12.

96/2 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

576
12
+
2
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 2 = 578

So the answer is:

578
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:

578
12
÷ 2 =
289
6

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 96/2 + 2/12

96
2
+
2
12
=
289
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler