What is 12/1 + 3/12?

Here's how to add

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 1 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 12 by 12, and get 144, then we multiply 1 by 12 and get 12.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 3 = 147

Now we have an answer.

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 12/1 + 3/12