math help

What is 4/9 + 3/12?

What is 4/9 + 3/12?

Here's how to add

4
9
+
3
12

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 4 by 12, and get 48, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

4/9 times 12

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108.

3/12 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

48
108
+
27
108

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

48 + 27 = 75

Now we have an answer.

75
108

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

75
108
÷ 3 =
25
36

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

No good. 29 is larger than 25. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/9 + 3/12

4
9
+
3
12
=
25
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler