math help

What is 10/11 + 4/8?

What is 10/11 + 4/8?

Here's how you add

10
11
+
4
8

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 10 by 8, and get 80, then we multiply 11 by 8 and get 88.

10/11 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 11, and get 44, then multiply 11 by 8 and get 88.

4/8 times 11

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

80
88
+
44
88

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

80 + 44 = 124

That gives us an answer of

124
88

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:

124
88
÷ 2 =
62
44

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

62
44
÷ 2 =
31
22

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...

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 + 4/8

10
11
+
4
8
=
31
22
© 2014 Randy Tayler