math help

What is 96/2 + 3/11?

What is 96/2 + 3/11?

Here's how to add

96
2
+
3
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 96 by 11, and get 1056, then we multiply 2 by 11 and get 22.

96/2 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 2, and get 6, then multiply 2 by 11 and get 22.

3/11 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

1056
22
+
6
22

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1056 + 6 = 1062

So the answer is:

1062
22

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:

1062
22
÷ 2 =
531
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 96/2 + 3/11

96
2
+
3
11
=
531
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler