math help

What is 24/12 + 6/11?

What is 24/12 + 6/11?

Here's how we add

24
12
+
6
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 24 by 11, and get 264, then we multiply 12 by 11 and get 132.

24/12 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 12, and get 72, then multiply 12 by 11 and get 132.

6/11 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

264
132
+
72
132

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 72 = 336

So what's the answer so far?

336
132

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

336
132
÷ 2 =
168
66

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

168
66
÷ 2 =
84
33

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

84
33
÷ 3 =
28
11

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/12 + 6/11

24
12
+
6
11
=
28
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler