math help

What is 9/34 + 6/12?

What is 9/34 + 6/12?

Here's how you add

9
34
+
6
12

Step 1

We 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 9 by 12, and get 108, then we multiply 34 by 12 and get 408.

9/34 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 34, and get 204, then multiply 34 by 12 and get 408.

6/12 times 34

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

108
408
+
204
408

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

108 + 204 = 312

So what's the answer so far?

312
408

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

312
408
÷ 2 =
156
204

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

156
204
÷ 2 =
78
102

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

78
102
÷ 2 =
39
51

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:

39
51
÷ 3 =
13
17

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 13. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 9/34 + 6/12

9
34
+
6
12
=
13
17
© 2014 Randy Tayler