math help

What is 50/8 + 7/11?

What is 50/8 + 7/11?

This is how to add

50
8
+
7
11

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 50 by 11, and get 550, then we multiply 8 by 11 and get 88.

50/8 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 8, and get 56, then multiply 8 by 11 and get 88.

7/11 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

550
88
+
56
88

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

550 + 56 = 606

Now we have an answer.

606
88

Step 3

Last of all, we need to simplify the fraction, if possible. Can it be reduced to a simpler fraction?

To find out, we try dividing it by 2...

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

606
88
÷ 2 =
303
44

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...

No good. 47 is larger than 44. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 50/8 + 7/11

50
8
+
7
11
=
303
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler