What is 15/60 + 1/12?

Here's how we add

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 12 is evenly divided by 60, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 5, and get 5, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

15 + 5 = 20

So the answer is:

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:

Now, try the same number again.

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 5 is larger than 1. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 15/60 + 1/12