math help

What is 55/55 + 4/7?

What is 55/55 + 4/7?

This is how you add

55
55
+
4
7

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

55/55 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 55, and get 220, then multiply 55 by 7 and get 385.

4/7 times 55

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

385
385
+
220
385

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

385 + 220 = 605

That gives us an answer of

605
385

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

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

605
385
÷ 5 =
121
77

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

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

121
77
÷ 11 =
11
7

Now, try the same number again.

No good. 11 is larger than 7. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 55/55 + 4/7

55
55
+
4
7
=
11
7
© 2014 Randy Tayler