math help

What is 55/55 + 1/5?

What is 55/55 + 1/5?

Here's how we add

55
55
+
1
5

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 5 is evenly divided by 55, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 11, and get 11, then we multiply 5 by 11 and get 55.

1/5 times 11

So now our fractions look like this:

55
55
+
11
55

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

55 + 11 = 66

Now we have an answer.

66
55

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...

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...

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

66
55
÷ 11 =
6
5

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

No good. 11 is larger than 6. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 55/55 + 1/5

55
55
+
1
5
=
6
5
© 2014 Randy Tayler