math help

What is 96/2 + 7/11?

What is 96/2 + 7/11?

Here's how we add

96
2
+
7
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 7 by 2, and get 14, then multiply 2 by 11 and get 22.

7/11 times 2

So now our fractions look like this:

1056
22
+
14
22

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

1056 + 14 = 1070

Now we have an answer.

1070
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:

1070
22
÷ 2 =
535
11

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 96/2 + 7/11

96
2
+
7
11
=
535
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler