math help

What is 16/48 + 5/7?

What is 16/48 + 5/7?

This is how to add

16
48
+
5
7

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

16/48 times 7

Do the same for the second term. We multiply 5 by 48, and get 240, then multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

5/7 times 48

So now our fractions look like this:

112
336
+
240
336

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

112 + 240 = 352

Now we have an answer.

352
336

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:

352
336
÷ 2 =
176
168

Now, try the same number again.

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

176
168
÷ 2 =
88
84

Now, try the same number again.

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

88
84
÷ 2 =
44
42

Now, try the same number again.

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

44
42
÷ 2 =
22
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...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 19...

Nope. Try the next prime number, 23...

No good. 23 is larger than 22. So we're done reducing.

Congratulations! Here's your final answer to 16/48 + 5/7

16
48
+
5
7
=
22
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler