math help

What is 88/15 + 1/4?

What is 88/15 + 1/4?

This is how we add

88
15
+
1
4

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 88 by 4, and get 352, then we multiply 15 by 4 and get 60.

88/15 times 4

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 15, and get 15, then multiply 15 by 4 and get 60.

1/4 times 15

So now our fractions look like this:

352
60
+
15
60

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

352 + 15 = 367

Now we have an answer.

367
60

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

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...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

No good. 61 is larger than 60. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 88/15 + 1/4

88
15
+
1
4
=
367
60
© 2014 Randy Tayler