math help

What is 100/50 + 7/11?

What is 100/50 + 7/11?

Here's how to add

100
50
+
7
11

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 100 by 11, and get 1100, then we multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

100/50 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 50, and get 350, then multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

7/11 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

1100
550
+
350
550

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1100 + 350 = 1450

So the answer is:

1450
550

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

1450
550
÷ 2 =
725
275

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

725
275
÷ 5 =
145
55

Let's try dividing by that again...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

145
55
÷ 5 =
29
11

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 100/50 + 7/11

100
50
+
7
11
=
29
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler