math help

What is 96/2 + 3/12?

What is 96/2 + 3/12?

Let's add

96
2
+
3
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

12 goes into 2 evenly, so we only need to multiply 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

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

576
12
+
3
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

576 + 3 = 579

That gives us an answer of

579
12

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

579
12
÷ 3 =
193
4

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 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 96/2 + 3/12

96
2
+
3
12
=
193
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler