math help

What is 15/60 + 2/11?

What is 15/60 + 2/11?

Here's how we add

15
60
+
2
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 15 by 11, and get 165, then we multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

15/60 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 60, and get 120, then multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

2/11 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

165
660
+
120
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

165 + 120 = 285

So the answer is:

285
660

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. Try the next prime number, 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

285
660
÷ 3 =
95
220

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

95
220
÷ 5 =
19
44

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 19. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 15/60 + 2/11

15
60
+
2
11
=
19
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler