math help

What is 36/4 + 6/11?

What is 36/4 + 6/11?

Let's add

36
4
+
6
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 6 by 4, and get 24, then multiply 4 by 11 and get 44.

6/11 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

396
44
+
24
44

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

396 + 24 = 420

That gives us an answer of

420
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:

420
44
÷ 2 =
210
22

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

210
22
÷ 2 =
105
11

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...

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...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 36/4 + 6/11

36
4
+
6
11
=
105
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler