math help

What is 60/48 + 5/11?

What is 60/48 + 5/11?

Here's how you add

60
48
+
5
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 5 by 48, and get 240, then multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

5/11 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

660
528
+
240
528

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 240 = 900

Now we have an answer.

900
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:

900
528
÷ 2 =
450
264

Now, try the same number again.

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

450
264
÷ 2 =
225
132

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:

225
132
÷ 3 =
75
44

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

No good. 47 is larger than 44. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 60/48 + 5/11

60
48
+
5
11
=
75
44
© 2014 Randy Tayler