math help

What is 2/9 + 2/12?

What is 2/9 + 2/12?

Here's how we add

2
9
+
2
12

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 2 by 12, and get 24, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

2/9 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 9, and get 18, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

2/12 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

24
108
+
18
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

24 + 18 = 42

That gives us an answer of

42
108

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:

42
108
÷ 2 =
21
54

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

21
54
÷ 3 =
7
18

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 2/9 + 2/12

2
9
+
2
12
=
7
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler