math help

What is 24/5 + 4/11?

What is 24/5 + 4/11?

This is how you add

24
5
+
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 24 by 11, and get 264, then we multiply 5 by 11 and get 55.

24/5 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 5, and get 20, then multiply 5 by 11 and get 55.

4/11 times 5

So now our fractions look like this:

264
55
+
20
55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 20 = 284

Now we have an answer.

284
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...

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

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 4/11

24
5
+
4
11
=
284
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler