math help

What is 16/48 + 3/10?

What is 16/48 + 3/10?

Here's how to add

16
48
+
3
10

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 10, and get 160, then we multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

16/48 times 10

Now for the second term. You multiply 3 by 48, and get 144, then multiply 48 by 10 and get 480.

3/10 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

160
480
+
144
480

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

160 + 144 = 304

So what's the answer so far?

304
480

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:

304
480
÷ 2 =
152
240

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:

152
240
÷ 2 =
76
120

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:

76
120
÷ 2 =
38
60

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:

38
60
÷ 2 =
19
30

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. So next you try the next prime number, which is 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 19. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 3/10

16
48
+
3
10
=
19
30
© 2014 Randy Tayler