What is 3/9 + 7/12?
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This is how we add
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Step 1Can 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 9 by 12 and get 108. Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 9, and get 63, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108. We now have a new problem, that looks like this:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 36 + 63 = 99 That gives us the sum, which is
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Step 3Now, do we need to simplify this fraction? First, we attempt to divide it by 2... 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. 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... No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/9 + 7/12
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