math help

What is 25/15 + 2/7?

What is 25/15 + 2/7?

Here's how to add

25
15
+
2
7

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

Now we multiply 25 by 7, and get 175, then we multiply 15 by 7 and get 105.

25/15 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 15, and get 30, then multiply 15 by 7 and get 105.

2/7 times 15

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

175
105
+
30
105

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

175 + 30 = 205

That gives us an answer of

205
105

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

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

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

205
105
÷ 5 =
41
21

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 21. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 25/15 + 2/7

25
15
+
2
7
=
41
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler