math help

What is 16/48 + 6/7?

What is 16/48 + 6/7?

Here's how to add

16
48
+
6
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 6 by 48, and get 288, then multiply 48 by 7 and get 336.

6/7 times 48

This gives us a new problem that looks like so:

112
336
+
288
336

Step 2

Since our denominators match, we can add the numerators.

112 + 288 = 400

So what's the answer so far?

400
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:

400
336
÷ 2 =
200
168

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:

200
168
÷ 2 =
100
84

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:

100
84
÷ 2 =
50
42

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:

50
42
÷ 2 =
25
21

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 21. So we're done reducing.

And we're done! Here's the final answer to 16/48 + 6/7

16
48
+
6
7
=
25
21
© 2014 Randy Tayler