math help

What is 16/48 + 1/11?

What is 16/48 + 1/11?

This is how to add

16
48
+
1
11

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 16 by 11, and get 176, then we multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

16/48 times 11

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 1 by 48, and get 48, then multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

1/11 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

176
528
+
48
528

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

176 + 48 = 224

Now we have an answer.

224
528

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:

224
528
÷ 2 =
112
264

Now, try the same number again.

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

112
264
÷ 2 =
56
132

Now, try the same number again.

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

56
132
÷ 2 =
28
66

Now, try the same number again.

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

28
66
÷ 2 =
14
33

Now, try the same number again.

Nope. Try the next prime number, 3...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 5...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 7...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 11...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 13...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 17...

No good. 17 is larger than 14. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 16/48 + 1/11

16
48
+
1
11
=
14
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler