math help

What is 16/48 + 2/11?

What is 16/48 + 2/11?

Here's how to add

16
48
+
2
11

Step 1

We still have different denominators (bottom numbers), though, so we need to get a common denominator. This will make the bottom numbers match. Multiply the denominators together first. Now, multiply each numerator by the other term's denominator.

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

16/48 times 11

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 48, and get 96, then multiply 48 by 11 and get 528.

2/11 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

176
528
+
96
528

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

176 + 96 = 272

So what's the answer so far?

272
528

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:

272
528
÷ 2 =
136
264

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:

136
264
÷ 2 =
68
132

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:

68
132
÷ 2 =
34
66

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:

34
66
÷ 2 =
17
33

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. 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. 19 is larger than 17. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 2/11

16
48
+
2
11
=
17
33
© 2014 Randy Tayler