math help

What is 55/55 + 1/2?

What is 55/55 + 1/2?

Let's add

55
55
+
1
2

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 55 by 2, and get 110, then we multiply 55 by 2 and get 110.

55/55 times 2

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 55, and get 55, then multiply 55 by 2 and get 110.

1/2 times 55

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

110
110
+
55
110

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

110 + 55 = 165

That gives us an answer of

165
110

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

165
110
÷ 5 =
33
22

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 7...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 11? Yes! So we reduce it:

33
22
÷ 11 =
3
2

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

No good. 11 is larger than 3. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 55/55 + 1/2

55
55
+
1
2
=
3
2
© 2014 Randy Tayler