math help

What is 15/60 + 3/7?

What is 15/60 + 3/7?

Let's add

15
60
+
3
7

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 7, and get 105, then we multiply 60 by 7 and get 420.

15/60 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 60, and get 180, then multiply 60 by 7 and get 420.

3/7 times 60

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

105
420
+
180
420

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

105 + 180 = 285

So what's the answer so far?

285
420

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide 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
420
÷ 3 =
95
140

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
140
÷ 5 =
19
28

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 + 3/7

15
60
+
3
7
=
19
28
© 2014 Randy Tayler