math help

What is 6/12 + 4/6?

What is 6/12 + 4/6?

Here's how to add

6
12
+
4
6

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:

6
12
+
8
12

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

6 + 8 = 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 6/12 + 4/6

6
12
+
4
6
=
7
6
© 2014 Randy Tayler