math help

What is 11/12 + 1/5?

What is 11/12 + 1/5?

Let's add

11
12
+
1
5

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 11 by 5, and get 55, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

11/12 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 12, and get 12, then multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

1/5 times 12

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

55
60
+
12
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

55 + 12 = 67

So what's the answer so far?

67
60

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. 61 is larger than 60. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 11/12 + 1/5

11
12
+
1
5
=
67
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler