math help

What is 60/48 + 4/5?

What is 60/48 + 4/5?

Here's how you add

60
48
+
4
5

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 60 by 5, and get 300, then we multiply 48 by 5 and get 240.

60/48 times 5

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 48, and get 192, then multiply 48 by 5 and get 240.

4/5 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

300
240
+
192
240

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

300 + 192 = 492

So what's the answer so far?

492
240

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:

492
240
÷ 2 =
246
120

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

246
120
÷ 2 =
123
60

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:

123
60
÷ 3 =
41
20

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...

No good. 23 is larger than 20. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 60/48 + 4/5

60
48
+
4
5
=
41
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler