math help

What is 56/60 + 1/3?

What is 56/60 + 1/3?

Let's add

56
60
+
1
3

Step 1

Now we need to make our denominators match.

Since 3 is evenly divided by 60, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 20, and get 20, then we multiply 3 by 20 and get 60.

1/3 times 20

So now our fractions look like this:

56
60
+
20
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

56 + 20 = 76

So the answer is:

76
60

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:

76
60
÷ 2 =
38
30

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

38
30
÷ 2 =
19
15

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 15. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 56/60 + 1/3

56
60
+
1
3
=
19
15
© 2014 Randy Tayler