What is 36/4 + 8/12?

Here's how we add

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 4 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

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

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

108 + 8 = 116

Now we have an answer.

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...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 8/12