math help

What is 9/48 + 2/12?

What is 9/48 + 2/12?

Let's add

9
48
+
2
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

48 goes into 12 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 4, and get 8, then we multiply 12 by 4 and get 48.

2/12 times 4

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

9
48
+
8
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

9 + 8 = 17

That gives us the sum, which is

17
48

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

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. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 9/48 + 2/12

9
48
+
2
12
=
17
48
© 2014 Randy Tayler