math help

What is 10/3 + 4/11?

What is 10/3 + 4/11?

Here's how to add

10
3
+
4
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 10 by 11, and get 110, then we multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

10/3 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 3, and get 12, then multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

4/11 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

110
33
+
12
33

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

110 + 12 = 122

Now we have an answer.

122
33

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. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

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

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

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 33. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 10/3 + 4/11

10
3
+
4
11
=
122
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler