math help

What is 6/88 + 7/11?

What is 6/88 + 7/11?

Here's how to add

6
88
+
7
11

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 11 is evenly divided by 88, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 7 by 8, and get 56, then we multiply 11 by 8 and get 88.

7/11 times 8

So now our fractions look like this:

6
88
+
56
88

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

6 + 56 = 62

So the answer is:

62
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:

62
88
÷ 2 =
31
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...

No good. 37 is larger than 31. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 6/88 + 7/11

6
88
+
7
11
=
31
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler