math help

What is 25/36 + 7/8?

What is 25/36 + 7/8?

This is how to add

25
36
+
7
8

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

25/36 times 8

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 7 by 36, and get 252, then multiply 36 by 8 and get 288.

7/8 times 36

So now our fractions look like this:

200
288
+
252
288

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

200 + 252 = 452

Now we have an answer.

452
288

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:

452
288
÷ 2 =
226
144

Now, try the same number again.

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

226
144
÷ 2 =
113
72

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 41...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 43...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 47...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 53...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 59...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 61...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 67...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 71...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 73...

No good. 73 is larger than 72. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 25/36 + 7/8

25
36
+
7
8
=
113
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler