math help

What is 7/11 + 1/5?

What is 7/11 + 1/5?

This is how we add

7
11
+
1
5

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 7 by 5, and get 35, then we multiply 11 by 5 and get 55.

7/11 times 5

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 11, and get 11, then multiply 11 by 5 and get 55.

1/5 times 11

So now our fractions look like this:

35
55
+
11
55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

35 + 11 = 46

So the answer is:

46
55

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...

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...

No good. 47 is larger than 46. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 7/11 + 1/5

7
11
+
1
5
=
46
55
© 2014 Randy Tayler