math help

What is 34/3 + 8/11?

What is 34/3 + 8/11?

Here's how to add

34
3
+
8
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 34 by 11, and get 374, then we multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

34/3 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 3, and get 24, then multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

8/11 times 3

So now our fractions look like this:

374
33
+
24
33

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

374 + 24 = 398

So the answer is:

398
33

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. 37 is larger than 33. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 34/3 + 8/11

34
3
+
8
11
=
398
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler