math help

What is 56/60 + 4/9?

What is 56/60 + 4/9?

This is how we add

56
60
+
4
9

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 9, and get 504, then we multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

56/60 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 60, and get 240, then multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

4/9 times 60

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

504
540
+
240
540

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

504 + 240 = 744

That gives us an answer of

744
540

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:

744
540
÷ 2 =
372
270

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

372
270
÷ 2 =
186
135

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

186
135
÷ 3 =
62
45

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 45. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 56/60 + 4/9

56
60
+
4
9
=
62
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler