math help

What is 24/5 + 5/11?

What is 24/5 + 5/11?

This is how we add

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

24/5 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 5, and get 25, then multiply 5 by 11 and get 55.

5/11 times 5

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

264
55
+
25
55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

264 + 25 = 289

So what's the answer so far?

289
55

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 24/5 + 5/11

24
5
+
5
11
=
289
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler