math help

What is 25/9 + 5/6?

What is 25/9 + 5/6?

This is how we add

25
9
+
5
6

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 6, and get 150, then we multiply 9 by 6 and get 54.

25/9 times 6

Now for the second term. You multiply 5 by 9, and get 45, then multiply 9 by 6 and get 54.

5/6 times 9

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

150
54
+
45
54

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

150 + 45 = 195

So what's the answer so far?

195
54

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 3? Yes! So we reduce it:

195
54
÷ 3 =
65
18

Let's try dividing by that again...

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...

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

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 25/9 + 5/6

25
9
+
5
6
=
65
18
© 2014 Randy Tayler