math help

What is 64/16 + 1/11?

What is 64/16 + 1/11?

Let's add

64
16
+
1
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 64 by 11, and get 704, then we multiply 16 by 11 and get 176.

64/16 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 16, and get 16, then multiply 16 by 11 and get 176.

1/11 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

704
176
+
16
176

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

704 + 16 = 720

Now we have an answer.

720
176

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:

720
176
÷ 2 =
360
88

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

360
88
÷ 2 =
180
44

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

180
44
÷ 2 =
90
22

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

90
22
÷ 2 =
45
11

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 64/16 + 1/11

64
16
+
1
11
=
45
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler