math help

What is 4/52 + 2/11?

What is 4/52 + 2/11?

This is how to add

4
52
+
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 4 by 11, and get 44, then we multiply 52 by 11 and get 572.

4/52 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 52, and get 104, then multiply 52 by 11 and get 572.

2/11 times 52

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

44
572
+
104
572

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

44 + 104 = 148

So what's the answer so far?

148
572

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:

148
572
÷ 2 =
74
286

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

74
286
÷ 2 =
37
143

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

No good. 41 is larger than 37. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 4/52 + 2/11

4
52
+
2
11
=
37
143
© 2014 Randy Tayler