Fractions

18 (j+3) / 12
Original
18j+54/12
distributive property
3j/2+9/2
separating and simplifying fractions

18 (j+3) / 12

First distribute the 18 by multiplying it out:
18*j + 18*3 / 12

That would be 18j + 54 / 12
You can take the Greatest Common Factor of 18, 54, and 12 out, as a factor. The GCF would be 6.
So that would be:
6(3j + 9) / 6(2)
Now you can take the 6 out from the top and bottom, since it cancels out.
(3j + 9) / 2
That could also be factored as 3(j + 3) / 2


Guest's answer is also right. It is another way of writing it, and is probably more simplified than my answer. Thank you Guest:)

Thanks guest and Kitty,

I would consider (3j+9)/2 to be the best answer

I think factorising and simplifying are opposite things so I don't think that the 3 should be factored out.
However, if anyone has anything to add, I would like to hear your thoughts.