What is 5/9 + 3/12?
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Let's add
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Step 1We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator. Now we multiply 5 by 12, and get 60, then we multiply 9 by 12 and get 108. Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 12 and get 108. This gives us a new problem that looks like so:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 60 + 27 = 87 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... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? 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 5... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29... No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31... No good. 31 is larger than 29. So we're done reducing. And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/9 + 3/12
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