math help

What is 4/4 + 4/12?

What is 4/4 + 4/12?

This is how we add

4
4
+
4
12

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 4 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 4 by 3, and get 12, then we multiply 4 by 3 and get 12.

4/4 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

12
12
+
4
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

12 + 4 = 16

So the answer is:

16
12

Step 3

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:

16
12
÷ 2 =
8
6

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

8
6
÷ 2 =
4
3

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

No good. 5 is larger than 4. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 4/4 + 4/12

4
4
+
4
12
=
4
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler