math help

What is 9/60 + 8/12?

What is 9/60 + 8/12?

Here's how you add

9
60
+
8
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

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

Multiply 8 by 5, and get 40, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

8/12 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

9
60
+
40
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

9 + 40 = 49

That gives us an answer of

49
60

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...

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. 53 is larger than 49. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 9/60 + 8/12

9
60
+
8
12
=
49
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler