math help

What is 3/18 + 5/11?

What is 3/18 + 5/11?

This is how you add

3
18
+
5
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 5 by 18, and get 90, then multiply 18 by 11 and get 198.

5/11 times 18

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

33
198
+
90
198

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

33 + 90 = 123

So what's the answer so far?

123
198

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

123
198
÷ 3 =
41
66

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

No good. 43 is larger than 41. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 3/18 + 5/11

3
18
+
5
11
=
41
66
© 2014 Randy Tayler