math help

What is 5/11 + 1/12?

What is 5/11 + 1/12?

Let's add

5
11
+
1
12

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 5 by 12, and get 60, then we multiply 11 by 12 and get 132.

5/11 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 11, and get 11, then multiply 11 by 12 and get 132.

1/12 times 11

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

60
132
+
11
132

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

60 + 11 = 71

So what's the answer so far?

71
132

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. 73 is larger than 71. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 5/11 + 1/12

5
11
+
1
12
=
71
132
© 2014 Randy Tayler