You need to know the least common denominator (LCD) of 3 and 12 if you want to add or subtract two fractions with 3 and 12 as denominators.
The least common denominator, also called lowest common denominator (LCD), of 3 and 12 is 12.
Here is a math problem example where you need to know the LCD of 3 and 12 to solve:
3/3 + 2/12 = ?
Step 1) Take the LCD and divide each denominator by it as follows:
12/3 = 4
12/12 = 1
Step 2) Multiply each nominator with the respective answers from Step 1:
3 x 4 = 12
2 x 1 = 2
Step 3) Put it all together to solve the problem:
12/12 + 2/12 = 14/12
= 3/3 + 2/12 = 14/12
It's that easy! Once again, the lowest common denominator (LCD) of 3 and 12 is as follows:
12
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