math help

What is 10/11 + 1/2?

What is 10/11 + 1/2?

This is how we add

10
11
+
1
2

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 10 by 2, and get 20, then we multiply 11 by 2 and get 22.

10/11 times 2

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 11, and get 11, then multiply 11 by 2 and get 22.

1/2 times 11

So now our fractions look like this:

20
22
+
11
22

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

20 + 11 = 31

So the answer is:

31
22

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...

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

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

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 22. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/11 + 1/2

10
11
+
1
2
=
31
22
© 2014 Randy Tayler