math help

What is 25/9 + 3/8?

What is 25/9 + 3/8?

This is how we add

25
9
+
3
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 9 by 8 and get 72.

25/9 times 8

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 9, and get 27, then multiply 9 by 8 and get 72.

3/8 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

200
72
+
27
72

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

200 + 27 = 227

So what's the answer so far?

227
72

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

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

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 67...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 71...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 73...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 25/9 + 3/8

25
9
+
3
8
=
227
72
© 2014 Randy Tayler