What number must be added to the denominator of 8/25 to make the result 1/4

Question

What number must be added to the denominator of 8/25 to make the result 1/4

Answer 1

Conceptual Answer: To start solving this problem, you must first understand what 1/4 really means. In a fraction, a good way to connect numerators (the top number) and denominators (the bottom number) is to create a fill-in-the blank: for every ___ of the numerator there is ______ of the denominator. In the case of the fraction 1/4, you know that for every ONE on top, there should be FOUR on the bottom. The problem asks you to make 8/25 equal to 1/4, so you know the same rule applies. Instead of directly solving for what number to add to the denominator, it is easier to first find what the final denominator must be. For every ONE 8 on top, you need FOUR 8s on bottom. You know the denominator must be FOUR 8s, or 4 times 8, which is 32. Then, you simply subtract the current denominator (25) from the denominator that you just found (32). Your end solution should be 32-25, which is equal to 7.

Numbers Solution:

1/4 = 8/x X is the denominator that you will have for the fraction to equal 1/4.

1 times 8 = 8, so 4 times 8 = X Solve for X.

4 times 8 = 32

32 - 25 = 7 Subtract denominator you have now from the new denominator.

7 is your final answer.