What is 1/3 + 4/12?

This is how to add

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 3 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then we multiply 3 by 4 and get 12.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

4 + 4 = 8

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? 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 2? 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 3...

No good. 3 is larger than 2. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 1/3 + 4/12