math help

What is 4/40 + 6/11?

What is 4/40 + 6/11?

Here's how you add

4
40
+
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 4 by 11, and get 44, then we multiply 40 by 11 and get 440.

4/40 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 6 by 40, and get 240, then multiply 40 by 11 and get 440.

6/11 times 40

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

44
440
+
240
440

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

44 + 240 = 284

So what's the answer so far?

284
440

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:

284
440
÷ 2 =
142
220

Now, try the same number again.

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

142
220
÷ 2 =
71
110

Now, try the same number again.

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

No good. 73 is larger than 71. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 4/40 + 6/11

4
40
+
6
11
=
71
110
© 2014 Randy Tayler