math help

What is 5/6 + 9/12?

What is 5/6 + 9/12?

Here's how we add

5
6
+
9
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 6 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 5 by 2, and get 10, then we multiply 6 by 2 and get 12.

5/6 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

10
12
+
9
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

10 + 9 = 19

So the answer is:

19
12

Step 3

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...

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 12. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/6 + 9/12

5
6
+
9
12
=
19
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler