math help

What is 4/6 + 6/12?

What is 4/6 + 6/12?

Here's how to add

4
6
+
6
12

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 6 is evenly divided by 12, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 4 by 2, and get 8, then we multiply 6 by 2 and get 12.

4/6 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

8
12
+
6
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

8 + 6 = 14

Now we have an answer.

14
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:

14
12
÷ 2 =
7
6

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...

No good. 7 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/6 + 6/12

4
6
+
6
12
=
7
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler