math help

What is 20/17 + 4/11?

What is 20/17 + 4/11?

This is how we add

20
17
+
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 20 by 11, and get 220, then we multiply 17 by 11 and get 187.

20/17 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 17, and get 68, then multiply 17 by 11 and get 187.

4/11 times 17

So now our fractions look like this:

220
187
+
68
187

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

220 + 68 = 288

Now we have an answer.

288
187

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...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 103...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 107...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 109...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 113...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 127...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 131...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 137...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 139...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 149...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 151...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 157...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 163...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 167...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 173...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 179...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 181...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 191...

No good. 191 is larger than 187. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 20/17 + 4/11

20
17
+
4
11
=
288
187
© 2014 Randy Tayler