math help

What is 11/12 + 9/12?

What is 11/12 + 9/12?

This is how you add

11
12
+
9
12

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

11 + 9 = 20

Now we have an answer.

20
12

Step 2

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:

20
12
÷ 2 =
10
6

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:

10
6
÷ 2 =
5
3

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. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 11/12 + 9/12

11
12
+
9
12
=
5
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler