Sum of  

5/87

and

12/261

in Simplest Form

Given:   + , which equals   +   (second fraction simplified)
Since the denominators are common (the same), we can add the numerators:
+ = = However,    is NOT in Simplest Form since the Greatest Common Factor of 9 and 87 does not equal 1, GCF(9, 87) ≠ 1
Upon inspection, the GCF(9, 87) = 3In Simplest Form,   = =  (1 is the only factor common to 3 and 29)Therefore, the Sum of  

5/87

and

12/261

is equal to

3/29

in Simplest Form:  

5/87

+

12/261

=

3/29