What is 3/12 plus 2/5?
3/12 plus 2/5 equals 13/20 (or 0.65 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 3/12 and 2/5 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
3/12 + 2/5 = 13/20
Simplified Fraction
13/20
Mixed Number
Proper (13/20)
Decimal Value
0.65
Percentage
65%
Step-by-Step Solution: 3/12 + 2/5
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 12 and 5 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 12 ร 5 = 60.
LCD(12, 5) = 60
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 60
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 3/12 by 5, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/5 by 12 so both fractions share the common base 60.
3 ร 5/12 ร 5 = 15/60 and 2 ร 12/5 ร 12 = 24/60
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (15 + 24 = 39) and keep the common denominator 60 unchanged.
15 + 24/60 = 39/60
Step 4
Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 39 and 60, which is 3. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 3.
39 รท 3/60 รท 3 = 13/20
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 13 by denominator 20 yields an exact terminating decimal of 0.65 (or 65%).
13 รท 20 = 0.65 (65%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 3/12 plus 2/5 visually:
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Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 13/20 |
| Mixed Number Form | 13/20 |
| Decimal Form | 0.65 |
| Percentage | 65% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 3/12 plus 2/5 as a fraction?
3/12 + 2/5 in simplest fraction form is 13/20.
What is 3/12 plus 2/5 as a decimal?
3/12 + 2/5 converted to a decimal is 0.65.
What is 3/12 plus 2/5 as a percentage?
3/12 + 2/5 expressed as a percentage is 65%.
Does 3/12 plus 2/5 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in an exact terminating decimal (0.65) because the denominator in simplest terms contains only prime factors 2 and/or 5.