Here's how we add
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Step 1Of course, you can't add two fractions if the denominators (bottom numbers) don't match. To get a common denominator, multiply the denominators together. Then we fix the numerators by multiplying each one by their other term's denominator. Now you multiply 55 by 12, and get 660, then we multiply 55 by 12 and get 660. Do the same for the second term. We multiply 8 by 55, and get 440, then multiply 55 by 12 and get 660. The problem now has new fractions to add:
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Step 2Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators. 660 + 440 = 1100 This yields the answer
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Step 3The last step is to reduce the fraction if we can. 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:
Now, try the same number again. Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:
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:
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:
Now, try the same number again. No good. 11 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing. Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 55/55 + 8/12
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