math help

What is 16/48 + 1/12?

What is 16/48 + 1/12?

Here's how to add

16
48
+
1
12

Step 1

We have to make sure the denominators are equal.

48 goes into 12 evenly, so we only need to multiply one term to get a common denominator.

Multiply 1 by 4, and get 4, then we multiply 12 by 4 and get 48.

1/12 times 4

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

16
48
+
4
48

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

16 + 4 = 20

So what's the answer so far?

20
48

Step 3

Can this fraction be reduced?

First, we attempt to divide it by 2...

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

20
48
÷ 2 =
10
24

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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

10
24
÷ 2 =
5
12

So far so good... let's try to divide by that number again.

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. 7 is larger than 5. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 1/12

16
48
+
1
12
=
5
12
© 2014 Randy Tayler