math help

What is 100/50 + 8/11?

What is 100/50 + 8/11?

Let's add

100
50
+
8
11

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

100/50 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 8 by 50, and get 400, then multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

8/11 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

1100
550
+
400
550

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1100 + 400 = 1500

That gives us an answer of

1500
550

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

1500
550
÷ 2 =
750
275

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

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

750
275
÷ 5 =
150
55

Now, try the same number again.

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

150
55
÷ 5 =
30
11

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 100/50 + 8/11

100
50
+
8
11
=
30
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler