math help

What is 3/24 + 3/11?

What is 3/24 + 3/11?

This is how to add

3
24
+
3
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 24 by 11 and get 264.

3/24 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 24, and get 72, then multiply 24 by 11 and get 264.

3/11 times 24

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

33
264
+
72
264

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

33 + 72 = 105

That gives us an answer of

105
264

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

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

105
264
÷ 3 =
35
88

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 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 35. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 3/24 + 3/11

3
24
+
3
11
=
35
88
© 2014 Randy Tayler