math help

What is 36/4 + 7/12?

What is 36/4 + 7/12?

This is how we add

36
4
+
7
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

12 goes into 4 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 36 by 3, and get 108, then we multiply 4 by 3 and get 12.

36/4 times 3

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

108
12
+
7
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

108 + 7 = 115

Answer:

115
12

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 7/12

36
4
+
7
12
=
115
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler