math help

What is 55/55 + 4/6?

What is 55/55 + 4/6?

Let's add

55
55
+
4
6

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 6, and get 330, then we multiply 55 by 6 and get 330.

55/55 times 6

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 4 by 55, and get 220, then multiply 55 by 6 and get 330.

4/6 times 55

So now our fractions look like this:

330
330
+
220
330

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

330 + 220 = 550

So the answer is:

550
330

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:

550
330
÷ 2 =
275
165

Let's try dividing by that again...

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:

275
165
÷ 5 =
55
33

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:

55
33
÷ 11 =
5
3

Let's try dividing by that again...

No good. 11 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 55/55 + 4/6

55
55
+
4
6
=
5
3
© 2014 Randy Tayler