math help

What is 9/32 + 7/8?

What is 9/32 + 7/8?

Here's how to add

9
32
+
7
8

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

Since 8 is evenly divided by 32, we can multiply just one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 7 by 4, and get 28, then we multiply 8 by 4 and get 32.

7/8 times 4

So now our fractions look like this:

9
32
+
28
32

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

9 + 28 = 37

So the answer is:

37
32

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...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 3...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 5...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 7...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 11...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 13...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 17...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 19...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 29...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 31...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 37...

No good. 37 is larger than 32. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 9/32 + 7/8

9
32
+
7
8
=
37
32
© 2014 Randy Tayler