Question

In the 2008 election, there were 28 "blue" states and 22 "red" states.
Express the "red" and "blue" states as fraction, in lowest terms, of the total number if states and also as decimals.

Answer 1

In the 2008 election, there were a total of \( 28 \) blue states and \( 22 \) red states. The total number of states is:

\[
28 + 22 = 50
\]

Now, to express the number of blue and red states as fractions and decimals:

1. **Blue States:**
- Fraction: The fraction of blue states is

\[
\frac{28}{50}
\]

To simplify this fraction, we can divide the numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor, which is \( 2 \):

\[
\frac{28 \div 2}{50 \div 2} = \frac{14}{25}
\]

- Decimal: To convert the fraction to a decimal, we divide:

\[
\frac{28}{50} = 0.56
\]

2. **Red States:**
- Fraction: The fraction of red states is

\[
\frac{22}{50}
\]

To simplify this fraction, we can again divide by \( 2 \):

\[
\frac{22 \div 2}{50 \div 2} = \frac{11}{25}
\]

- Decimal: To convert the fraction to a decimal, we divide:

\[
\frac{22}{50} = 0.44
\]

In summary:
- Blue states (fraction): \( \frac{14}{25} \) (decimal: \( 0.56 \))
- Red states (fraction): \( \frac{11}{25} \) (decimal: \( 0.44 \))