math help

What is 34/3 + 4/12?

What is 34/3 + 4/12?

Here's how we add

34
3
+
4
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

12 goes into 3 evenly, so we only need to multiply 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

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

136
12
+
4
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

136 + 4 = 140

So what's the answer so far?

140
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:

140
12
÷ 2 =
70
6

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:

70
6
÷ 2 =
35
3

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. 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 34/3 + 4/12

34
3
+
4
12
=
35
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler