math help

What is 60/60 + 7/9?

What is 60/60 + 7/9?

This is how we add

60
60
+
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 60 by 9 and get 540.

60/60 times 9

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 60, and get 420, then multiply 60 by 9 and get 540.

7/9 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

540
540
+
420
540

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

540 + 420 = 960

So the answer is:

960
540

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
540
÷ 2 =
480
270

Now, try the same number again.

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

480
270
÷ 2 =
240
135

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
135
÷ 3 =
80
45

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
45
÷ 5 =
16
9

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 60/60 + 7/9

60
60
+
7
9
=
16
9
© 2014 Randy Tayler