math help

What is 64/4 + 5/11?

What is 64/4 + 5/11?

Here's how to add

64
4
+
5
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 4 by 11 and get 44.

64/4 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 4, and get 20, then multiply 4 by 11 and get 44.

5/11 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

704
44
+
20
44

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

704 + 20 = 724

Now we have an answer.

724
44

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:

724
44
÷ 2 =
362
22

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

362
22
÷ 2 =
181
11

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 64/4 + 5/11

64
4
+
5
11
=
181
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler