math help

What is 60/48 + 1/11?

What is 60/48 + 1/11?

Let's add

60
48
+
1
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 60 by 11, and get 660, then we multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

60/48 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 48, and get 48, then multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

1/11 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

660
528
+
48
528

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 48 = 708

So the answer is:

708
528

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:

708
528
÷ 2 =
354
264

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

354
264
÷ 2 =
177
132

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:

177
132
÷ 3 =
59
44

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 44. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 60/48 + 1/11

60
48
+
1
11
=
59
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler