What is 3/18 + 10/12?

Let's add

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

So, we multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 18 by 12 and get 216.

Now for the second term. You multiply 10 by 18, and get 180, then multiply 18 by 12 and get 216.

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

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

36 + 180 = 216

Answer:

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Now, try the same number again.

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/18 + 10/12