math help

What is 60/48 + 4/9?

What is 60/48 + 4/9?

This is how you add

60
48
+
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 60 by 9, and get 540, then we multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

60/48 times 9

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 48, and get 192, then multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

4/9 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

540
432
+
192
432

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

540 + 192 = 732

That gives us an answer of

732
432

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:

732
432
÷ 2 =
366
216

Now, try the same number again.

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

366
216
÷ 2 =
183
108

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

183
108
÷ 3 =
61
36

Now, try the same number again.

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...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 60/48 + 4/9

60
48
+
4
9
=
61
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler