math help

What is 3/18 + 1/11?

What is 3/18 + 1/11?

Here's how you add

3
18
+
1
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 3 by 11, and get 33, then we multiply 18 by 11 and get 198.

3/18 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 18, and get 18, then multiply 18 by 11 and get 198.

1/11 times 18

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

33
198
+
18
198

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

33 + 18 = 51

That gives us an answer of

51
198

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

51
198
÷ 3 =
17
66

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

No good. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 3/18 + 1/11

3
18
+
1
11
=
17
66
© 2014 Randy Tayler