math help

What is 30/50 + 5/11?

What is 30/50 + 5/11?

Here's how you add

30
50
+
5
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 30 by 11, and get 330, then we multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

30/50 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 50, and get 250, then multiply 50 by 11 and get 550.

5/11 times 50

So now our fractions look like this:

330
550
+
250
550

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

330 + 250 = 580

So the answer is:

580
550

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...

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

580
550
÷ 2 =
290
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:

290
275
÷ 5 =
58
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...

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 58. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 30/50 + 5/11

30
50
+
5
11
=
58
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler