math help

What is 25/9 + 2/4?

What is 25/9 + 2/4?

Here's how you add

25
9
+
2
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 25 by 4, and get 100, then we multiply 9 by 4 and get 36.

25/9 times 4

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 9, and get 18, then multiply 9 by 4 and get 36.

2/4 times 9

So now our fractions look like this:

100
36
+
18
36

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

100 + 18 = 118

So the answer is:

118
36

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:

118
36
÷ 2 =
59
18

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...

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

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 25/9 + 2/4

25
9
+
2
4
=
59
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler