What is 3/12 + 9/12?

Let's add

Step 1

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

3 + 9 = 12

Now we have an answer.

Step 2

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 3 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 3/12 + 9/12