math help

What is 56/60 + 9/11?

What is 56/60 + 9/11?

This is how we add

56
60
+
9
11

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 11, and get 616, then we multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

56/60 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 9 by 60, and get 540, then multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

9/11 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

616
660
+
540
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

616 + 540 = 1156

So the answer is:

1156
660

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:

1156
660
÷ 2 =
578
330

Now, try the same number again.

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

578
330
÷ 2 =
289
165

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 109...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 113...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 127...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 131...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 137...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 139...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 149...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 151...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 157...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 163...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 167...

No good. 167 is larger than 165. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 56/60 + 9/11

56
60
+
9
11
=
289
165
© 2014 Randy Tayler