math help

What is 55/55 + 5/12?

What is 55/55 + 5/12?

Let's add

55
55
+
5
12

Step 1

Can you add yet? Nope! The denominators don't match. We need a common denominator. So next we take both denominators and multiply them. Next, take each numerator and multiply it by the denominator of the other term.

So, we multiply 55 by 12, and get 660, then we multiply 55 by 12 and get 660.

55/55 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 55, and get 275, then multiply 55 by 12 and get 660.

5/12 times 55

We now have a new problem, that looks like this:

660
660
+
275
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 275 = 935

That gives us the sum, which is

935
660

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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:

935
660
÷ 5 =
187
132

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:

187
132
÷ 11 =
17
12

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 12. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 55/55 + 5/12

55
55
+
5
12
=
17
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler