math help

What is 7/16 + 2/7?

What is 7/16 + 2/7?

Here's how we add

7
16
+
2
7

Step 1

We can't add two fractions with different denominators (the bottom number). So you need to get a common denominator - both bottom numbers need to match. To do this, you'll multiply the denominators times each other... but the numerators have to change, too. They get multiplied by the other term's denominator.

So we multiply 7 by 7, and get 49, then we multiply 16 by 7 and get 112.

7/16 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 2 by 16, and get 32, then multiply 16 by 7 and get 112.

2/7 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

49
112
+
32
112

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

49 + 32 = 81

So the answer is:

81
112

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 41...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 43...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 47...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 53...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 59...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 61...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 67...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 71...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 73...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 79...

No good. So next you try the next prime number, which is 83...

No good. 83 is larger than 81. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 7/16 + 2/7

7
16
+
2
7
=
81
112
© 2014 Randy Tayler