math help

What is 5/12 + 3/12?

What is 5/12 + 3/12?

Here's how we add

5
12
+
3
12

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

5 + 3 = 8

So the answer is:

8
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:

8
12
÷ 2 =
4
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:

4
6
÷ 2 =
2
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. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/12 + 3/12

5
12
+
3
12
=
2
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler