Live GMAT classes with Target Test Prep start Nov 21 and Nov 22. First class free.

See classes
Target Test Prep · GMAT

Choose how you want to prepare

Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 winner: Target Test Prep, #1 Test Prep

Target Test Prep was voted #1 Best Test Prep in the 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice™ Awards.

★★★★★5.0563 reviews
GMATLiveTeachStarts Nov 22
Josh Braslow, Target Test Prep GMAT expert
LIVE ONLINE CLASSES

Get Ready for GMAT Test Day Faster with Live Online Classes

with Josh Braslow, 20+ years in test prep

Nov 22 · Josh Braslow
Sun · 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM ET
Included
40 hours of live online classes + 6 months of TTP OnDemand
  • Attend the first class for free
  • Every class is recorded, so you never fall behind
View classes & enroll
Limited seats availableTarget Test Prep
EALiveTeachOnDemandStart anytime
EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

Target Test Prep EA OnDemand

Self-paced EA prep. Study on your schedule.

EXECUTIVE ASSESSMENT

with

165+ EA score guarantee
$05-day trial no automatic billing
Schedule
Included
40 hours of live online classes plus six months of access to the complete TTP EA OnDemand course.
  • 165+ EA Score Guarantee
  • 4,100+ Quant, Verbal, and Integrated Reasoning practice questions
  • 400+ hours of in-depth video lessons
  • 3,000+ step-by-step video solutions
View EA class & enroll Start free 5-day trial
Limited cohort · enrollment openTrial includes full course accessTarget Test Prep
GMATOnDemandStart anytime
SELF-PACED MASTERCLASS

Target Test Prep GMAT OnDemand

Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.

715+ score guarantee
$0to start then $127/mo
  • Personalized study plan and analytics
  • Thousands of lessons and practice questions
Start free 5-day trial
Read 563 reviewsTarget Test Prep

Simplifying fractions quickly!

Expert replies
Post new topic Post Reply
Subscribe topic
Previous Topic Next Topic
Junior | Next Rank: 30 Posts
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Jun 16, 2016 4:25 pmFollowed by: 1 member
by nhyder » Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:28 am
Hey guys,

Can anyone help me simply this fraction in a quick method? I'm using traditional simplifying techniques and am wondering if there is a easier way around this?

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4

1/2 (multiply top and bottom by 3) + 1/3 (multiply too and bottom by 2) = 3/6+2/6= 5/6+1/4

5/6(multiply top and bottom by 4) + 1/4 (multiply top and bottom by 6) = 26/24

I individually devised each by 2 in long division to get 13/12.

Is there an easier way to do this?

Thanks!

Nadine
Top
Join the discussion
Source: — Problem Solving |
User avatar
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 15539
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 12:04 pmFollowed by: 1906 members
Location: New York, NY
Thanked: 13060 times
GMAT Score:790

by GMATGuruNY » Fri Nov 11, 2016 10:33 am
nhyder wrote:Hey guys,

Can anyone help me simply this fraction in a quick method? I'm using traditional simplifying techniques and am wondering if there is a easier way around this?

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4
Multiply and divide by the LCM of the three denominators.
The LCM of 2, 3 and 4 is 12.
Multiplying and dividing by 12, we get:
12(1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4) / 12
(6 + 4 + 3)/12
13/12.
Private tutor exclusively for the GMAT and GRE, with over 20 years of experience.
Followed here and elsewhere by over 1900 test-takers.
I have worked with students based in the US, Australia, Taiwan, China, Tajikistan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia -- a long list of countries.
My students have been admitted to HBS, CBS, Tuck, Yale, Stern, Fuqua -- a long list of top programs.

As a tutor, I don't simply teach you how I would approach problems.
I unlock the best way for YOU to solve problems.

For more information, please email me (Mitch Hunt) at [email protected].
Student Review #1
Student Review #2
Student Review #3
Top
Join the discussion
GMAT Instructor
Posts: 2629
Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2012 3:32 pmFollowed by: 119 members
Location: East Bay all the way
Thanked: 625 times
GMAT Score:780

by Matt@VeritasPrep » Fri Nov 11, 2016 2:00 pm
Here's what I'd do:

1/2 + 1/3 + 1/4 = x

Multiply both sides by 2*3*4:

3*4 + 2*4 + 2*3 = 2*3*4*x

26 = 24x

26/24 = x

13/12 = x

IMHO finding the LCM first for some sets of numbers is more time consuming than reducing the fraction at the end, but YMMV.
Top
Join the discussion