math help

What is 45/3 + 2/11?

What is 45/3 + 2/11?

Here's how you add

45
3
+
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 45 by 11, and get 495, then we multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

45/3 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 3, and get 6, then multiply 3 by 11 and get 33.

2/11 times 3

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

495
33
+
6
33

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

495 + 6 = 501

So what's the answer so far?

501
33

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:

501
33
÷ 3 =
167
11

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 45/3 + 2/11

45
3
+
2
11
=
167
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler