math help

What is 21/11 + 3/5?

What is 21/11 + 3/5?

Here's how you add

21
11
+
3
5

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 21 by 5, and get 105, then we multiply 11 by 5 and get 55.

21/11 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 11, and get 33, then multiply 11 by 5 and get 55.

3/5 times 11

So now our fractions look like this:

105
55
+
33
55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

105 + 33 = 138

So the answer is:

138
55

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...

No good. 59 is larger than 55. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 21/11 + 3/5

21
11
+
3
5
=
138
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler