What is 1/15 + 1/12?

Let's 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 12, and get 12, then we multiply 15 by 12 and get 180.

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 15, and get 15, then multiply 15 by 12 and get 180.

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

12 + 15 = 27

So what's the answer so far?

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...

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

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

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 5...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 1/15 + 1/12