math help

What is 56/60 + 1/2?

What is 56/60 + 1/2?

Here's how to add

56
60
+
1
2

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

60 goes into 2 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 30, and get 30, then we multiply 2 by 30 and get 60.

1/2 times 30

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

56
60
+
30
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

56 + 30 = 86

That gives us the sum, which is

86
60

Step 3

Now, do we need to simplify this fraction?

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

86
60
÷ 2 =
43
30

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. 31 is larger than 30. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 56/60 + 1/2

56
60
+
1
2
=
43
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler