Add 3/8 and 5/12. Put result in simplest form.

Prepare for the Praxis Elementary Education Mathematics Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Enhance your chances for exam success!

Multiple Choice

Add 3/8 and 5/12. Put result in simplest form.

Adding fractions means you must have the same size pieces, so you look for a common denominator. The least common multiple of 8 and 12 is 24, so rewrite each fraction with that denominator: 3/8 becomes 9/24 (multiply top and bottom by 3) and 5/12 becomes 10/24 (multiply top and bottom by 2). Now you can add the numerators: 9 + 10 = 19, giving 19/24. This fraction is already in simplest form because 19 shares no factors with 24. So the sum is 19/24.

Adding fractions means you must have the same size pieces, so you look for a common denominator. The least common multiple of 8 and 12 is 24, so rewrite each fraction with that denominator: 3/8 becomes 9/24 (multiply top and bottom by 3) and 5/12 becomes 10/24 (multiply top and bottom by 2). Now you can add the numerators: 9 + 10 = 19, giving 19/24. This fraction is already in simplest form because 19 shares no factors with 24. So the sum is 19/24.

More practice questions