math help

What is 12/1 + 4/12?

What is 12/1 + 4/12?

Let's add

12
1
+
4
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

12 goes into 1 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

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

12/1 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

144
12
+
4
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

144 + 4 = 148

So what's the answer so far?

148
12

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

148
12
÷ 2 =
74
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:

74
6
÷ 2 =
37
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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 12/1 + 4/12

12
1
+
4
12
=
37
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler