math help

What is 56/60 + 1/7?

What is 56/60 + 1/7?

Here's how you add

56
60
+
1
7

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 56 by 7, and get 392, then we multiply 60 by 7 and get 420.

56/60 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 60, and get 60, then multiply 60 by 7 and get 420.

1/7 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

392
420
+
60
420

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

392 + 60 = 452

Now we have an answer.

452
420

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:

452
420
÷ 2 =
226
210

Now, try the same number again.

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

226
210
÷ 2 =
113
105

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 79...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 83...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 89...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 97...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 101...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 103...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 107...

No good. 107 is larger than 105. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 56/60 + 1/7

56
60
+
1
7
=
113
105
© 2014 Randy Tayler