math help

What is 60/60 + 9/11?

What is 60/60 + 9/11?

Here's how to add

60
60
+
9
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 9 by 60, and get 540, then multiply 60 by 11 and get 660.

9/11 times 60

So now our fractions look like this:

660
660
+
540
660

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

660 + 540 = 1200

Now we have an answer.

1200
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:

1200
660
÷ 2 =
600
330

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

600
330
÷ 2 =
300
165

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

300
165
÷ 3 =
100
55

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

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

100
55
÷ 5 =
20
11

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

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

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 60/60 + 9/11

60
60
+
9
11
=
20
11
© 2014 Randy Tayler