math help

What is 60/60 + 5/11?

What is 60/60 + 5/11?

This is how we add

60
60
+
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 60 by 11 and get 660.

60/60 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 60, and get 300, then multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

5/11 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

660
660
+
300
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 300 = 960

So the answer is:

960
660

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:

960
660
÷ 2 =
480
330

Now, try the same number again.

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

480
330
÷ 2 =
240
165

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:

240
165
÷ 3 =
80
55

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

80
55
÷ 5 =
16
11

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

No good. 13 is larger than 11. So we're done reducing.

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

60
60
+
5
11
=
16
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler