What is 1/12 + 3/5?

Here's how to add

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 1 by 5, and get 5, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

5 + 36 = 41

So what's the answer so far?

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

No good. 43 is larger than 41. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 1/12 + 3/5