math help

What is 11/12 + 2/4?

What is 11/12 + 2/4?

Let's add

11
12
+
2
4

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

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

11
12
+
6
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

11 + 6 = 17

So what's the answer so far?

17
12

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. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 11/12 + 2/4

11
12
+
2
4
=
17
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler