math help

What is 53/9 + 3/11?

What is 53/9 + 3/11?

This is how to add

53
9
+
3
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 53 by 11, and get 583, then we multiply 9 by 11 and get 99.

53/9 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 11 and get 99.

3/11 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

583
99
+
27
99

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

583 + 27 = 610

Now we have an answer.

610
99

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...

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 97...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 101...

No good. 101 is larger than 99. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 53/9 + 3/11

53
9
+
3
11
=
610
99
© 2014 Randy Tayler