math help

What is 25/36 + 4/8?

What is 25/36 + 4/8?

This is how we add

25
36
+
4
8

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 8, and get 200, then we multiply 36 by 8 and get 288.

25/36 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 4 by 36, and get 144, then multiply 36 by 8 and get 288.

4/8 times 36

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

200
288
+
144
288

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

200 + 144 = 344

That gives us an answer of

344
288

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

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

344
288
÷ 2 =
172
144

Now, try the same number again.

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

172
144
÷ 2 =
86
72

Now, try the same number again.

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

86
72
÷ 2 =
43
36

Now, try the same number again.

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

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

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 29...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 31...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 36. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 25/36 + 4/8

25
36
+
4
8
=
43
36
© 2014 Randy Tayler