math help

What is 32/1 + 4/12?

What is 32/1 + 4/12?

Here's how to add

32
1
+
4
12

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

12 goes into 1 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 32 by 12, and get 384, then we multiply 1 by 12 and get 12.

32/1 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

384
12
+
4
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

384 + 4 = 388

That gives us an answer of

388
12

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:

388
12
÷ 2 =
194
6

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

194
6
÷ 2 =
97
3

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 32/1 + 4/12

32
1
+
4
12
=
97
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler