math help

What is 10/6 + 9/11?

What is 10/6 + 9/11?

Let's add

10
6
+
9
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 6 by 11 and get 66.

10/6 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 9 by 6, and get 54, then multiply 6 by 11 and get 66.

9/11 times 6

So now our fractions look like this:

110
66
+
54
66

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

110 + 54 = 164

Now we have an answer.

164
66

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:

164
66
÷ 2 =
82
33

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 10/6 + 9/11

10
6
+
9
11
=
82
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler