math help

What is 5/100 + 2/5?

What is 5/100 + 2/5?

Here's how to add

5
100
+
2
5

Step 1

Our denominators (bottom numbers) don't match, so we can't add yet.

Since 5 is evenly divided by 100, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 2 by 20, and get 40, then we multiply 5 by 20 and get 100.

2/5 times 20

So now our fractions look like this:

5
100
+
40
100

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

5 + 40 = 45

So the answer is:

45
100

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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 5? Yes! So we reduce it:

45
100
÷ 5 =
9
20

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

No good. 11 is larger than 9. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 5/100 + 2/5

5
100
+
2
5
=
9
20
© 2014 Randy Tayler