math help

What is 78/10 + 9/11?

What is 78/10 + 9/11?

This is how we add

78
10
+
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 78 by 11, and get 858, then we multiply 10 by 11 and get 110.

78/10 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 9 by 10, and get 90, then multiply 10 by 11 and get 110.

9/11 times 10

So now our fractions look like this:

858
110
+
90
110

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

858 + 90 = 948

Now we have an answer.

948
110

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:

948
110
÷ 2 =
474
55

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

No good. 59 is larger than 55. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 78/10 + 9/11

78
10
+
9
11
=
474
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler