math help

What is 64/16 + 9/11?

What is 64/16 + 9/11?

This is how you add

64
16
+
9
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 9 by 16, and get 144, then multiply 16 by 11 and get 176.

9/11 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

704
176
+
144
176

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

704 + 144 = 848

Now we have an answer.

848
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:

848
176
÷ 2 =
424
88

Now, try the same number again.

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

424
88
÷ 2 =
212
44

Now, try the same number again.

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

212
44
÷ 2 =
106
22

Now, try the same number again.

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

106
22
÷ 2 =
53
11

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 64/16 + 9/11

64
16
+
9
11
=
53
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler