math help

What is 15/60 + 2/8?

What is 15/60 + 2/8?

Let's add

15
60
+
2
8

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 15 by 8, and get 120, then we multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

15/60 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 60, and get 120, then multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

2/8 times 60

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

120
480
+
120
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

120 + 120 = 240

So what's the answer so far?

240
480

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

240
480
÷ 2 =
120
240

Now, try the same number again.

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

120
240
÷ 2 =
60
120

Now, try the same number again.

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

60
120
÷ 2 =
30
60

Now, try the same number again.

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

30
60
÷ 2 =
15
30

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

15
30
÷ 3 =
5
10

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:

5
10
÷ 5 =
1
2

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 + 2/8

15
60
+
2
8
=
1
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler