What is 2/5 plus 8/17?
2/5 plus 8/17 equals 74/85 (or 0.870588 in decimal form). Learn the step-by-step solution to add 2/5 and 8/17 using Least Common Denominator and simplification.
Exact Answer
2/5 + 8/17 = 74/85
Simplified Fraction
74/85
Mixed Number
Proper (74/85)
Decimal Value
0.870588
Percentage
87.0588%
Step-by-Step Solution: 2/5 + 8/17
Step 1
Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 5 and 17 are coprime (they share no common factors other than 1). Therefore, their Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply their direct product: 5 × 17 = 85.
LCD(5, 17) = 85
Step 2
Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 85
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/5 by 17, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 8/17 by 5 so both fractions share the common base 85.
2 × 17/5 × 17 = 34/85 and 8 × 5/17 × 5 = 40/85
Step 3
Add the Numerators
Now add the numerators (34 + 40 = 74) and keep the common denominator 85 unchanged.
34 + 40/85 = 74/85
Step 4
Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 74 and 85 is 1, confirming that 74/85 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
74/85
Step 5
Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator 74 by denominator 85 produces a repeating decimal (approximately 0.870588, or 87.0588%).
74 ÷ 85 = 0.870588 (87.0588%)
Visual Representation
The diagram below illustrates 2/5 plus 8/17 visually:
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Summary & Alternative Representations
| Property / Format | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Terms Fraction | 74/85 |
| Mixed Number Form | 74/85 |
| Decimal Form | 0.870588 |
| Percentage | 87.0588% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is 2/5 plus 8/17 as a fraction?
2/5 + 8/17 in simplest fraction form is 74/85.
What is 2/5 plus 8/17 as a decimal?
2/5 + 8/17 converted to a decimal is 0.870588.
What is 2/5 plus 8/17 as a percentage?
2/5 + 8/17 expressed as a percentage is 87.0588%.
Does 2/5 plus 8/17 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?
It results in a repeating decimal (approximately 0.870588...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.