math help

What is 2/11 + 1/3?

What is 2/11 + 1/3?

This is how we add

2
11
+
1
3

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 2 by 3, and get 6, then we multiply 11 by 3 and get 33.

2/11 times 3

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 11, and get 11, then multiply 11 by 3 and get 33.

1/3 times 11

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

6
33
+
11
33

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

6 + 11 = 17

That gives us an answer of

17
33

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 2/11 + 1/3

2
11
+
1
3
=
17
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler