math help

What is 55/55 + 6/8?

What is 55/55 + 6/8?

Here's how you add

55
55
+
6
8

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 8, and get 440, then we multiply 55 by 8 and get 440.

55/55 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 6 by 55, and get 330, then multiply 55 by 8 and get 440.

6/8 times 55

So now our fractions look like this:

440
440
+
330
440

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

440 + 330 = 770

Now we have an answer.

770
440

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:

770
440
÷ 2 =
385
220

Now, try the same number again.

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:

385
220
÷ 5 =
77
44

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:

77
44
÷ 11 =
7
4

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 + 6/8

55
55
+
6
8
=
7
4
© 2014 Randy Tayler