math help

What is 25/9 + 1/2?

What is 25/9 + 1/2?

This is how you add

25
9
+
1
2

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 2, and get 50, then we multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

25/9 times 2

Now for the second term. You multiply 1 by 9, and get 9, then multiply 9 by 2 and get 18.

1/2 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

50
18
+
9
18

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

50 + 9 = 59

So what's the answer so far?

59
18

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...

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...

No good. 19 is larger than 18. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 25/9 + 1/2

25
9
+
1
2
=
59
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler