math help

What is 60/48 + 7/9?

What is 60/48 + 7/9?

Here's how you add

60
48
+
7
9

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

60/48 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 48, and get 336, then multiply 48 by 9 and get 432.

7/9 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

540
432
+
336
432

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

540 + 336 = 876

Now we have an answer.

876
432

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:

876
432
÷ 2 =
438
216

Now, try the same number again.

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

438
216
÷ 2 =
219
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:

219
108
÷ 3 =
73
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 + 7/9

60
48
+
7
9
=
73
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler