math help

What is 34/3 + 3/12?

What is 34/3 + 3/12?

This is how we add

34
3
+
3
12

Step 1

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

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

Multiply 34 by 4, and get 136, then we multiply 3 by 4 and get 12.

34/3 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

136
12
+
3
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

136 + 3 = 139

Now we have an answer.

139
12

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...

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

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

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 34/3 + 3/12

34
3
+
3
12
=
139
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler