math help

What is 11/12 + 2/7?

What is 11/12 + 2/7?

Here's how we add

11
12
+
2
7

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 11 by 7, and get 77, then we multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

11/12 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 12, and get 24, then multiply 12 by 7 and get 84.

2/7 times 12

So now our fractions look like this:

77
84
+
24
84

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

77 + 24 = 101

So the answer is:

101
84

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...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 79...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 83...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 89...

No good. 89 is larger than 84. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 11/12 + 2/7

11
12
+
2
7
=
101
84
© 2014 Randy Tayler