math help

What is 12/13 + 1/3?

What is 12/13 + 1/3?

Let's add

12
13
+
1
3

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 12 by 3, and get 36, then we multiply 13 by 3 and get 39.

12/13 times 3

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 13, and get 13, then multiply 13 by 3 and get 39.

1/3 times 13

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

36
39
+
13
39

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 13 = 49

So what's the answer so far?

49
39

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. 41 is larger than 39. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 12/13 + 1/3

12
13
+
1
3
=
49
39
© 2014 Randy Tayler