math help

What is 36/4 + 2/11?

What is 36/4 + 2/11?

Here's how we add

36
4
+
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 36 by 11, and get 396, then we multiply 4 by 11 and get 44.

36/4 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 4, and get 8, then multiply 4 by 11 and get 44.

2/11 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

396
44
+
8
44

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

396 + 8 = 404

So what's the answer so far?

404
44

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:

404
44
÷ 2 =
202
22

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

202
22
÷ 2 =
101
11

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 2/11

36
4
+
2
11
=
101
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler