What is 9/16 + 9/12?
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Here's how we add
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Step 1Of course, you can't add two fractions if the denominators (bottom numbers) don't match. To get a common denominator, multiply the denominators together. Then we fix the numerators by multiplying each one by their other term's denominator. Now you multiply 9 by 12, and get 108, then we multiply 16 by 12 and get 192. Do the same for the second term. We multiply 9 by 16, and get 144, then multiply 16 by 12 and get 192. The problem now has new fractions to add:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 108 + 144 = 252 The sum we get is
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Step 3The last step is to reduce the fraction if we can. 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:
Now, try the same number again. Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
Now, try the same number again. Nope. Try the next prime number, 3... Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:
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... No good. 17 is larger than 16. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/16 + 9/12
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