What is 15/60 + 7/12?
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This is how we add
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Step 1Our 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 7 by 5, and get 35, then we multiply 12 by 5 and get 60. The problem now has new fractions to add:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 15 + 35 = 50 The sum we get is
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Step 3The last step is to reduce the fraction if we can. 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. 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. Nope. Try the next prime number, 7... No good. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 15/60 + 7/12
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