What is 3/6 + 8/12?
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Let's add
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Step 1We have to make sure the denominators are equal. 12 goes into 6 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator. Multiply 3 by 2, and get 6, then we multiply 6 by 2 and get 12. This gives us a new problem that looks like so:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 6 + 8 = 14 So what's the answer so far?
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Step 3Can this fraction be reduced? First, we attempt to divide it by 2... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again. 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. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing. And we're done! Here's the final answer to 3/6 + 8/12
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