What is 55/55 + 3/7?

Let's add

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 55 by 7, and get 385, then we multiply 55 by 7 and get 385.

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 55, and get 165, then multiply 55 by 7 and get 385.

So now our fractions look like this:

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

385 + 165 = 550

So the answer is:

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

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

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 11 is larger than 10. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 55/55 + 3/7