math help

What is 22/60 + 2/8?

What is 22/60 + 2/8?

Let's add

22
60
+
2
8

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 8, and get 176, then we multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

22/60 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 60, and get 120, then multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

2/8 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

176
480
+
120
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

176 + 120 = 296

Now we have an answer.

296
480

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:

296
480
÷ 2 =
148
240

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

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

148
240
÷ 2 =
74
120

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

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

74
120
÷ 2 =
37
60

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...

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. 41 is larger than 37. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 22/60 + 2/8

22
60
+
2
8
=
37
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler