math help

What is 22/60 + 1/9?

What is 22/60 + 1/9?

Let's add

22
60
+
1
9

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 22 by 9, and get 198, then we multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

22/60 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 60, and get 60, then multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

1/9 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

198
540
+
60
540

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

198 + 60 = 258

Now we have an answer.

258
540

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:

258
540
÷ 2 =
129
270

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

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

129
270
÷ 3 =
43
90

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 43. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 22/60 + 1/9

22
60
+
1
9
=
43
90
© 2014 Randy Tayler