math help

What is 56/60 + 1/8?

What is 56/60 + 1/8?

This is how to add

56
60
+
1
8

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 56 by 8, and get 448, then we multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

56/60 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 60, and get 60, then multiply 60 by 8 and get 480.

1/8 times 60

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

448
480
+
60
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

448 + 60 = 508

So what's the answer so far?

508
480

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

508
480
÷ 2 =
254
240

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

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

254
240
÷ 2 =
127
120

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 79...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 83...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 89...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 97...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 101...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 103...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 107...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 109...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 113...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 127...

No good. 127 is larger than 120. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 56/60 + 1/8

56
60
+
1
8
=
127
120
© 2014 Randy Tayler