math help

What is 55/55 + 7/12?

What is 55/55 + 7/12?

This is how we add

55
55
+
7
12

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

55/55 times 12

Now for the second term. You multiply 7 by 55, and get 385, then multiply 55 by 12 and get 660.

7/12 times 55

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

660
660
+
385
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 385 = 1045

That gives us an answer of

1045
660

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide 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:

1045
660
÷ 5 =
209
132

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:

209
132
÷ 11 =
19
12

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 55/55 + 7/12

55
55
+
7
12
=
19
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler