math help

What is 1/16 + 5/11?

What is 1/16 + 5/11?

Here's how you add

1
16
+
5
11

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 1 by 11, and get 11, then we multiply 16 by 11 and get 176.

1/16 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 16, and get 80, then multiply 16 by 11 and get 176.

5/11 times 16

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

11
176
+
80
176

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

11 + 80 = 91

That gives us an answer of

91
176

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 71...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 73...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 79...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 83...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 89...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 97...

No good. 97 is larger than 91. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 1/16 + 5/11

1
16
+
5
11
=
91
176
© 2014 Randy Tayler