math help

What is 30/50 + 2/11?

What is 30/50 + 2/11?

This is how you add

30
50
+
2
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 30 by 11, and get 330, then we multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

30/50 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 50, and get 100, then multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

2/11 times 50

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

330
550
+
100
550

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

330 + 100 = 430

So what's the answer so far?

430
550

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:

430
550
÷ 2 =
215
275

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

215
275
÷ 5 =
43
55

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

No good. 47 is larger than 43. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 2/11

30
50
+
2
11
=
43
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler