math help

What is 56/60 + 7/9?

What is 56/60 + 7/9?

This is how to add

56
60
+
7
9

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

56/60 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 60, and get 420, then multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

7/9 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

504
540
+
420
540

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

504 + 420 = 924

Now we have an answer.

924
540

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:

924
540
÷ 2 =
462
270

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

462
270
÷ 2 =
231
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:

231
135
÷ 3 =
77
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 + 7/9

56
60
+
7
9
=
77
45
© 2014 Randy Tayler