math help

What is 15/11 + 2/9?

What is 15/11 + 2/9?

This is how you add

15
11
+
2
9

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 15 by 9, and get 135, then we multiply 11 by 9 and get 99.

15/11 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 11, and get 22, then multiply 11 by 9 and get 99.

2/9 times 11

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

135
99
+
22
99

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

135 + 22 = 157

So what's the answer so far?

157
99

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide 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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 97...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 101...

No good. 101 is larger than 99. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 15/11 + 2/9

15
11
+
2
9
=
157
99
© 2014 Randy Tayler