math help

What is 7/16 + 3/10?

What is 7/16 + 3/10?

Let's add

7
16
+
3
10

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 10, and get 70, then we multiply 16 by 10 and get 160.

7/16 times 10

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 3 by 16, and get 48, then multiply 16 by 10 and get 160.

3/10 times 16

So now our fractions look like this:

70
160
+
48
160

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

70 + 48 = 118

Now we have an answer.

118
160

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...

Are both the numerator and the denominator evenly divisible by 2? Yes! So we reduce it:

118
160
÷ 2 =
59
80

Let's try dividing by that again...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 3...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 5...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 7...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 11...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 13...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 17...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 19...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 23...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 29...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 31...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 37...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 41...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 43...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 47...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 53...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 59...

Nope! So now we try the next greatest prime number, 61...

No good. 61 is larger than 59. So we're done reducing.

There you have it! Here's the final answer to 7/16 + 3/10

7
16
+
3
10
=
59
80
© 2014 Randy Tayler