math help

What is 2/4 + 5/12?

What is 2/4 + 5/12?

This is how you add

2
4
+
5
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

12 goes into 4 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 3, and get 6, then we multiply 4 by 3 and get 12.

2/4 times 3

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

6
12
+
5
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

6 + 5 = 11

That gives us the sum, which is

11
12

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. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 2/4 + 5/12

2
4
+
5
12
=
11
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler