What is 3/20 + 11/12?
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Here's how we add
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Step 1Of course, you can't add two fractions if the denominators (bottom numbers) don't match. To get a common denominator, multiply the denominators together. Then we fix the numerators by multiplying each one by their other term's denominator. Now you multiply 3 by 12, and get 36, then we multiply 20 by 12 and get 240. Do the same for the second term. We multiply 11 by 20, and get 220, then multiply 20 by 12 and get 240. The problem now has new fractions to add:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 36 + 220 = 256 The sum we get is
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Step 3The last step is to reduce the fraction if we can. 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:
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. 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... Nope. Try the next prime number, 5... Nope. Try the next prime number, 7... Nope. Try the next prime number, 11... Nope. Try the next prime number, 13... Nope. Try the next prime number, 17... No good. 17 is larger than 16. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/20 + 11/12
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