math help

What is 16/48 + 2/7?

What is 16/48 + 2/7?

This is how we add

16
48
+
2
7

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 7, and get 112, then we multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

16/48 times 7

Now for the second term. You multiply 2 by 48, and get 96, then multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

2/7 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

112
336
+
96
336

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

112 + 96 = 208

That gives us an answer of

208
336

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:

208
336
÷ 2 =
104
168

Now, try the same number again.

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

104
168
÷ 2 =
52
84

Now, try the same number again.

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

52
84
÷ 2 =
26
42

Now, try the same number again.

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

26
42
÷ 2 =
13
21

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 13. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 16/48 + 2/7

16
48
+
2
7
=
13
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler