math help

What is 60/48 + 5/7?

What is 60/48 + 5/7?

Let's add

60
48
+
5
7

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 7, and get 420, then we multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

60/48 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 48, and get 240, then multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

5/7 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

420
336
+
240
336

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

420 + 240 = 660

So the answer is:

660
336

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:

660
336
÷ 2 =
330
168

Let's try dividing by that again...

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

330
168
÷ 2 =
165
84

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:

165
84
÷ 3 =
55
28

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...

No good. 29 is larger than 28. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 60/48 + 5/7

60
48
+
5
7
=
55
28
© 2014 Randy Tayler